PRESIDENT Emmerson
Mnangagwa has appealed to Zanu PF supporters to stick with the ruling party
despite the deepening economic problems in the country.
Mnangagwa was speaking at a rally at the Matizha business
centre in Serima, Gutu on Friday where thousands of Zanu PF supporters were
bussed to the venue.
He said the multifaceted crisis facing the country should
not drive ruling party supporters away from Zanu PF. You know where we are
coming from and where we are going,” Mnangagwa said.
“We got problems as
a country. But these are not problems that can force you to leave the party.
These are problems that unite us to build our country. Yes, we have economic
challenges, but they will pass.
“We shall come to a time when we shall say we went through
hardships and hunger, but the period of plenty is coming.
“I do not think next year is a drought period…..In the
night, defend your party, during the day defend your party, whether you went to
bed without eating or not.”
Zimbabwe is in the grip of hyperinflation and is struggling
with shortages of foreign currency, fuel, medicines, mealie meal and rolling
power cuts, among others.
The International Monetary Fund recently warned that
without genuine political dialogue in Zimbabwe, chances of an economic
turnaround were dim.
Mnangagwa has refused to engage in direct talks with his
main rival Nelson Chamisa, who is challenging his legitimacy following the
controversial 2018 elections.
On Friday the Zanu PF leader described Masvingo as a
“one-party state” after the ruling party won 25 seats out of 26 seats in the
2018 general elections.
“Masvingo is a one-party state,” he said.
“The leadership and structures are strong from the
grassroots to the top. Your coming here in your thousands shows that the
structures are working.
“Of course, there may be one or two who are not party
members, it is there and understandable.”
Mnangagwa poured scorn on Chamisa for continuing to
challenge his election victory, saying the stance would not change anything.
“We want peace and harmony in our country. We want a
relationship and interaction based on non-violence,” he said. We do not want
violence, burning of property and blocking roads. We want unity.
“Of course, we have to disagree, but whatever we do, we
must debate, not to say if I don’t get my way, nothing will go ahead.
“The sun will rise and set, January will come and go till
December, while you are saying I won the elections, and we rule and rule while
you are still stuck in the 2018 elections.
“We are now eyeing 2023.” Standard
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