21st Movement clean-up campaign a success
MORE than 200 youths from Mutare and its environs on Tuesday celebrated President Mugabe’s 93rd birthday in style by embarking on a clean-up exercise in the Central Business District.
The youths’ colourful regalia caught the eyes of many as they embarked on an exercise which was also a reminder to the citizenry of this country on the need to keep the environment clean.
The youths who were led by Zanu-PF Manicaland provincial executive cleaned most of the busy spots in Mutare especially bus termini.
Some of the participants in the clean-up campaign travelled from Penhalonga, while local tertiary institutions also came on board.
In an interview after the event, Zanu-PF provincial youth secretary for administration, Cde Victor Saunyama, expressed gratitude on the turnout.
He hailed local tertiary institutions for seconding their students to participate in the noble cause.
“Our President is a smart person and as youths and future leaders, this clean-up exercise was to show the world that we are taking a leaf from our iconic President’s stance on cleanliness. It is said cleanliness is next to Godliness and our cities should always be clean. We are just putting what our father, President Mugabe taught us into practice. We have learnt a lot from His Excellency on preserving our legacy as Zim- babweans and we will not let him down.
“This will not be a one- off event because as youths we have lined up a number of community development initiatives up to 2018. This is also a reminder to MDC-T-run councils that people are not happy with their poor service delivery. Yes, we understand and appreciate that the economy is not ticking, but local authorities should prioritise service delivery,” said Cde Saunyama.
On preparations for the mother of all bashes in Matopos, Matabeleland South, Cde Saunyama, said it was all systems go.
“We did our homework very well and everything is now in place for people to travel to Matopos. We will be leaving for Matopos early to ensure that all logistics are in place before the arrival of our VVIPs who are the twenty-firsters. We want to ensure that our youths secure proper accommodation and have all material resources they need to celebrate President Mugabe’s birthday in style come Saturday (tomorrow).
“Although Cyclone Dineo wreaked havoc in some parts of Matabeleland South, we want to assure the nation and parents that their children will be safe. The venue is very secure and accommodation has been secured for all those making it to Matopos. God is with our President and we know that nothing will disturb this grand occasion.
“Come Saturday, all roads will no doubt be leading to Matopos and we are now more than ready to host this important event on the youth activities’ calendar in Zimbabwe,” he said.
On travelling arrangements, Cde Saunyama said: “We have secure transport to ferry people to Matopos from all the province’s seven districts. We are grateful for the support we received from schools which availed their buses. We are not taking these buses by force as some sections of the society are saying. We are also chipping in with fuel.
“If there are other well-wishers out there willing to assist, they can also come on board because we want to surpass the target of 10 000 youths from Manicaland to attend President Mugabe’s 93rd birthday. This is our chance to show the world and the country’s detractors that we are solidly behind President Mugabe and the First Family,” he said.
On recent utterances by expelled former Mashonaland Central youth chairman, Godfrey Tsenengamu that President Mugabe should step down, Cde Saunyama, said: “Tsenengamu is the least qualified to comment on what is happening in Zanu-PF because he was expelled from the party. He should be reminded that President Mugabe won overwhelmingly in 2013 and still enjoys the support of millions of Zimbabweans.
“During our December 2016 16th National People’s Conference in Masvingo, we reaffirmed our support of hero, President Mugabe. He is our sole candidate for 2018 until God find it fit to take his life.
“Those making noise should know that we are solidly behind President Mugabe and we will not be distracted by their barking.
“As youths, we want to find out all those behind Tsenengamu and expose them. Tsenengamu is a desperate attention seeker and his utterances confirm the fact that it is cold outside Zanu-PF. He wants to find his way back into Zanu-PF, but you cannot grandstand and expect people to ignore such uncalled for utterances,” he said.