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The Forty Second Anniversary of the country’s Independence under the theme “Zimbabwe at 42: Leaving no one and no place behind” celebrations are historic and extraordinary in that they are the first in which the main commemorations are being held outside the capital city of Harare, President Emmerson Mnangagwa has said.
He made the remarks at a celebratory occasion of the country’s liberation from colonial rule held today in Bulawayo that was attended by people from all walks of life including the opposition that has shunned such occasions in the past.
“As per the promise of the Second Republic, the days of Harare being “bambazonke” are now behind us. We are strengthening our unity, enhancing national cohesion and entrenching peace within our country, brick by brick, stone upon stone.
“These celebrations carry an added significance in that it is the first time since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic that we are able to gather together at this scale. Today is also Easter Monday; we thank Almighty God for the restoration, preservation and protection of our great country,” President Mnangagwa said.
He said the passing of the Independence Flame today, through Makokoba Township, serves as a remembrance and an honour to these suburbs as the belly that incubated political activism and ultimately, freedom and independence.
The President paid homage to the many trade unionists and nationalists who launched their confrontation with the brutal white settler regime, from bases within other townships such as Pelandaba, Mzilikazi, Luveve, Mbare, Highfields, Sakubva, Mtapa and Mucheke and underscored the fact that the nation is emboldened by their bravery and selfless sacrifices that epitomise a rich liberation heritage they left for citizens.
He reiterated the importance of unity as a harbinger for development.
“As a diverse but one nation that is united under one National Flag; we reaffirm and reinforce our unity, love and harmony for one another and for our great country. We refuse to be divided. The cords that bind us are much stronger than any differences which we may ever encounter.
“In unity, Zimbabwe is rising; no one and no place shall be left behind as we march forward toward our vision of a prosperous and empowered upper-middle-income country by 2030. In the midst of great adversity and difficulties such as the illegal economic sanctions, our country has a lot to be proud of, which was realised over the past 42 years. Equally, invaluable lessons have been learnt which will make our actions more targeted for coordinated and balanced development,” The President said.
The head of State and Government alluded to production, productivity, hard honest work, innovation, and entrepreneurial culture as the cornerstones of all our individual and collective national effort.
“Hence, realistic and responsive approaches will continue to mould the implementation of our policies, projects and programmes, informed by the development mantra that “ ilizwe liyakwa ngabanikazi, Nyika inovakwa nevene vayo”. To this end, the Second Republic is unwavering in its commitment to creating opportunities in agriculture, mining, manufacturing, tourism, infrastructure, healthcare, education, sciences and Information Communication Technologies, among other sectors,” he added.
Meanwhile, the United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Zimbabwe, Mr Edward Kallon, on his own behalf and that of the UN family wished the Government and People of the Republic of Zimbabwe a happy 42nd Independence Day and said the UN is committed to supporting Zimbabwe to implement its blueprint, the National Development Strategy in pursuit of achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.