The Herald (Zimbabwe)

Time to invest is now — President

- Tendai Mugabe in CHEGUTU

PRESIDENT Mnangagwa says victory is certain for Zanu-PF in the forthcomin­g elections and has urged foreign investors to grab business opportunit­ies presented by the new dispensati­on.

He said nothing would change after the July 30 harmonised elections, but warned Zanu-PF members to be wary of deliberate acts of provocatio­n by political failures who already knew their fate in the coming elections.

Addressing his maiden rally in Mashonalan­d West Province at Pfupajena Stadium yesterday, the President reiterated party members should preach the gospel of peace and unity.

He said Zanu-PF had resolved the . forthcomin­g elections should be held in a free and fair environmen­t.

“Right now we are moving around preaching the gospel of peace and developmen­t,” he said.

“Fortunatel­y, wherever we are going, we are getting warm reception. The investment that we are receiving in this country right now is not only coming from the East, but from across the whole world. Some are coming to make arrangemen­ts and say we will come immediatel­y after elections, but we said those who want to catch the early bird go ahead because things are not going to change. Hakuna chichashan­duka. Zanu-PF is in power and will continue in power.

“We have said and I have said we want free, fair, non-violent and credible elections in Zimbabwe. Wherever we are going for meetings, there is always a massive turnout in all provinces. So why should we bother with sideshows by some small parties? Regai zvivukure imi mobatana toenda nemaprogra­mme. We should not waste time on useless people.

“Hakuna musha ungashaikw­a mapenzi. Tinawo asi ndeedu. Vakatituka nyararai mongoita basa. We want a peaceful election and then move forward.”

He said Zanu-PF was the only party in Zimbabwe with a defined history of bringing independen­ce.

President Mnangagwa urged people to vote for Zanu-PF to preserve the country’s legacy.

“Zanu-PF ndomusanga­no une nhoorondo, unoziva kuti takatambur­a sei kuti tisvike nhasi pano

patiri. Zvinozivik­anwa nevat ungamiri veZanu- PF, zvinozikan­wa nemembersh­ip yeZanu- PF, zvinozivik­anwa nechembere iri kumusha. Mwana mudiki ngaafundis­we zvekare kuti nyika yakasunguk­a ichisunung­urwa neZanu-PF.

“Zanu- PF ndoiri kutonga muno muZimbabwe. Saka kana iwe uri muZimbabwe­an ah wambonwa doro rakadii kusarudza kuva nevatongwi usingagare nevanotong­a vari muZanu-PF?,” he said.

Commenting on the re-engagement drive by the new dispensati­on, President Mnangagwa said Zimbabwe had thawed previously frosty relations with Britain.

He said the relationsh­ip was already bearing fruit aft er the United Kingdom, through its fi nance institutio­n, CDC, extended a US$100 million loan facility to Zimbabwean companies.

“The new dispensati­on when we were sworn in, in 30 minutes we received an envoy (Rory Steward) from British Prime Minister Theresa May seeking diplomatic rapprochem­ent. He asked for areas where the British could assist and I said I don’t have a Cabinet yet and I will invite you once I set up my Cabinet,” said President Mnangagwa.

“They have come about three times now and we have outlined areas where we want them to assist. I sent my Foreign Affairs (and Internatio­nal Trade) Minister Dr Sibusiso Moyo to talk to them. We are agreeing with them that you once wronged us and that should not be repeated. So far, through the CDC, they have sent us US$100 million for business.”

The Chegutu rally was attended by the Zanu-PF leadership including the two Vice Presidents Dr Constantin­o Chiwenga and Cde Kembo Mohadi and other senior party members.

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