Staff Reporter

In the run-up to the national commemoration of Anti-Sanctions Day, on 25 October 2023, President Emmerson Mnangagwa urged Zimbabweans to foster self-belief, to surmount the challenge of unlawful sanctions.

The President's sentiments, delivered through his Sunday Mail column, stress that such conviction is pivotal in fortifying national resilience.

“To win this fight against illegal sanctions, we must fully believe in ourselves and in our capabilities as a people. That vital sense of self-belief, buttressed by national unity and solidarity from friends and allies, makes us invincible," stated President Mnangagwa.

He emphasized the lesson from the nation's early struggle for independence, noting that mere agitation at international platforms, such as the United Nations, won't suffice to attain full sovereignty and self-determination.

With an undeterred spirit, President Mnangagwa underscored the importance for Zimbabweans to display unwavering resolve, especially in the face of adversities brought by the sanctions.

 “Our enemies require more than our pleas. They need to witness our determination to advance, even amidst their sanctions, and to respect us. Our vision and developmental agendas are crafted with a focus on leveraging our internal resources and tenacity," the President declared.

In response to these illegal sanctions, President Mnangagwa pointed out the need to capitalize on the country's vast mineral wealth.

 "I am elated that Zimbabwe is now globally recognized as a significant mining hub, possessing strategic minerals like lithium, platinum group metals, and numerous valuable minerals," he mentioned.

According to President Mnangagwa, this rich mineral reserve position, makes Zimbabwe a crucial contributor in the global shift towards a sustainable, green economy.

The President further added, "Countries once hostile to us are gradually recognizing the potential benefits of bilateral cooperation over unwarranted, unilateral animosity."

Meanwhile, Zimbabwe's economy continues to expand despite the presence of these sanctions. The surge in the mining sector is anticipated to be a driving force, propelling the nation closer to its vision of transforming into an Upper-Middle-Income nation by 2030.