Information Ministry pays tribute to ED

THE Ministry of Information, Media and Broadcasting Services has sent a congratulatory message to President Emmerson Mnangagwa on his inauguration as the President of Zimbabwe and Commander-in-Chief of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces on Friday.

The ministry said in a statement yesterday that it recognised and appreciated the critical roles played by President Mnangagwa during the liberation struggle.

“Honourable Senator S.K. Moyo, Permanent Secretary, Cde G. Charamba, Principal Director, Cde R. Chikowore, directors and entire staff of the ministry, congratulate His Excellency the President, Cde Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, on his inauguration as President of the Republic of Zimbabwe and Commander-in-Chief of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces,” said the ministry.

“As a ministry, we recognise and appreciate the critical roles you played during the liberation struggle, as well as your impeccable record of faithful service to our great country since Independence in various leadership positions.

“We are confident, therefore, that as our new President, you are well positioned to take this country to greater heights. Makorokoto! Amhlope! Congratulations!”

President Mnangagwa, who was sworn in on Friday as Zimbabwe’s second Executive President since independence in 1980, said his Government will, with immediate effect, implement sweeping measures across sectors to stimulate economic growth and create employment.

Among the many measures, President Mnangagwa promised a sturdy re-engagement with the international community, saying “isolation has never been splendid or viable”.

Locally, he pledged to tackle cash liquidity challenges head-on, act on corruption, relax export procedures, ensure maximum utilisation of land and protect foreign investments, among other policies.

In his acceptance speech after taking the Oath of Office before thousands of people at the giant National Sports Stadium in Harare on Friday last week, President Mnangagwa said Zimbabwe was “renewing itself” and should never remain hostage to its past.

He appealed to Zimbabweans to let “bygones be bygones” and embrace each other in defining the new destiny.

On domestic politics, President Mnangagwa said the 2018 harmonised elections would proceed as scheduled and peacefully.