President foresees promising 2024
ZIMBABWEANS should continue shouldering the responsibility of developing, modernising and industrialising their country and 2024 is a promising year of further economic growth and development, President Mnangagwa has said.
Speaking at the burial of the late national hero Colonel (Retired) Kenny Ridzai Mabuya at the National Heroes Acre yesterday, President Mnangagwa said it was important that Zimbabweans partake in the country’s current development momentum for universal progress that leaves no one and no place behind.
He said there was need for the country to stay alert and up the ante in employing strategies to counter recent phenomena such as climate change.
“2024 is promising to be a year of further growth and development. We must, however, stay alert and scale up our strategies in climate change adaptation and mitigation as we build greater resilience, right from the household level.
“Individually and collectively, we shoulder the responsibility to develop, modernise and industrialise our country.
“Through our efforts, all Zimbabweans
should work harder to occupy our niche in the global arena. Let us believe in ourselves and continue the development momentum witnessed under the Second Republic. We must never tire, but keep pushing forward,” he said.
President Mnangagwa said the country’s peace, unity, independence and sovereignty should be defended by all means, as that was the solid foundation upon which Zimbabwe would continue to prosper.
This independence and peace, he said, had been brought by the sheer determination of gallant sons and daughters such as Col Mabuya.
“I call upon all Zimbabweans to treasure and defend our peace, unity, independence and sovereignty,” he said.
“The challenge is now with us, to consistently draw from this selfless and rich national
◆ character as we advance our national development agenda.
“We started the struggle with only the willpower and resolve to liberate our country against an established brutal and racist enemy. The settler regime was supported overtly and covertly by powerful countries.
“However, with the determination of many cadres such as the late national hero, Cde Mabuya, we triumphed against the enemy. We conquered colonialism and now stand tall as a free and independent people,” he said.
Turning to the cholera outbreak, President Mnangagwa said the Second Republic would continue instituting measures such as the procurement of vaccines and ensuring access to clean water.
He also urged the general citizenry to exercise the highest degree of hygiene as
Government continues to make efforts to ensure the outbreak is decisively dealt with.
“On the health front, the cholera outbreak has taught us many lessons, especially the need for a Whole of Government and Society approach to our national development agenda.
“Interventions are being made to improve access to clean water, overall hygiene and waste disposal. My Government has procured and received donations of vaccines as well as other medical equipment and pharmaceuticals required to combat the disease.
“I call upon all our communities to remain on high alert and to practise good hygiene,” he said.
The President charged Zimbabweans to foster a spirit of inclusivity, tolerance and love as the country continues to march towards sustained prosperity.
To this end, he said his administration was addressing the Gukurahundi disturbances as the Second Republic continues to drive efforts to ensure those affected find closure and healing.
In addition, the President said Government would see to it that all the country’s 10 provinces experience development and prosperity.
“Presently, the Second Republic is driving the efforts to find closure and healing for the scars from the disturbances that characterised the early years of our independence.
“Through various mechanisms, including initiatives led by our traditional leaders and communities, we are addressing the Gukurahundi matter.
“Emboldened by the fact that we are one people strengthened by our diversity and the spirit of love, inclusivity and tolerance, we continue to march towards sustainable, social and economic stability and prosperity.
“Further guided by our mantra; ‘leaving no one and no place behind’, my Administration is ensuring that all provinces and districts, experience shared national development and prosperity,” said the Head of State and Government.
President Mnangagwa said the sacrifices that were made by liberation war stalwarts such as Col Mabuya would forever remain part of Zimbabwe’s identity. He expressed his heartfelt condolences to the Mabuya family while describing Col Mabuya as a trustworthy, dependable and loyal cadre, whose contribution would forever be etched in the hearts of Zimbabweans.
“The supreme sacrifice and blood of the many sons and daughters of Zimbabwe is part of our identity as an independent and sovereign people.
“As the head of both the civil and military wing of ZANU, where I was deputised by Cde Vitalis Musungwa Gava Zvinavashe, the late Cde Kenny Ridzai was number three.
“Later, when I was the Minister Responsible for State Security, I also closely worked with Cde Kenny Ridzai. He was a trustworthy, dependable and loyal cadre who helped to shape our intelligence and security apparatus during the liberation struggle and in the post-independence era. We have indeed lost one of our country’s longtime intelligence-supremos.
“Today, we therefore, inter him alongside other luminaries at this sacred National Heroes Shrine. On behalf of the revolutionary party, Zanu PF, the people and Government of Zimbabwe, my family and indeed myself, I once again express heartfelt condolences to the bereaved Mabuya family for this sad loss.”
◆ Full story on www.herald.co.zw