By Tanyaradzwa Chigumbu & Vimbai Nyamukutu
The ruling party Zanu PF yesterday launched the “Gweru Urban Campaign Launch” for the 2023 August elections, which will see Alex Mukwembi (Zanu PF), battling it out against Brian Dube (MDC-T) and Josiah Makombe (CCC) for Gweru Urban Constituency seat.
The Secretary for External Affairs in the Politburo Cde Simbarashe Mumbengegwi, told hundreds of people who had gathered at the party offices in the city that it was time for the ruling party to reclaim urban seats from the opposition party.
Speaking during the campaign launch which was filled with song and jubilation, Dr Mumbengegwi said the ruling party’s aim is to ensure a resounding victory in all the 28 constituencies in the Midlands province.
“Let us work hard so that we win all the 28 constituencies in the province. The number of people who have registered to vote amounts to six million, let us get all the six million votes. We need to elect Zanu PF members in all categories if you vote for the president why don’t you vote for the MP and the Councillor,” he said amid cheers from the crowd.
Dr Mumbengegwi emphasized that, since the inception of the Second Republic in 2017, the President has ushered in tremendous milestone megaprojects around the nation, some of which have been completed and others are in the final stages of completion.
He said that when he was the Minister of State in the President’s Office in Charge of Policy Implementation at the start of the New Dispensation, he witnessed the President’s unrelenting efforts along with the extended hours at the office working to herald in-significant growth and development for the country during his stint at the aforementioned position.
Furthermore, the accomplished politician pointed out that President E. D. Mnangagwa is the Party’s sole Presidential candidate, and he is from the Midlands Province, thus the people of the province should offer him their unshakable and unflinching support.
He adds that President E. D. Mnangagwa has managed to steer the country to prosperity during his brief tenure as president, the country is now producing lithium and the Manhize steel plant is currently under construction, which is expected to lower the country’s high steel import bill and improve exports.
“Moreso, on the re-engagement and engagement program, underlined that the President has successfully re-engaged and engaged with various friendly nations, including some who were earlier antagonistic towards this nation, through his administration’s actions. The President recently received a letter of invitation by the United Kingdom to attend King Charles’ coronation, which he happily and physically attended,” said Mumbengegwi.
In his short and precise remarks at the Gweru Urban Campaign Launch program, Alex Mukwembi expressed his gratitude and appreciation to the Guest of Honor, Secretary for External Affairs in the Politburo Cde Simbarashe Mumbengegwi.
Furthermore, he stated that His Excellency President E. D. Mnangagwa, throughout his brief stint as President, has significantly increased the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and commended the President for his unwavering dedication to bring progress and development to the country.
Mukwembi also said that Zanu PF will reclaim Gweru Urban Constituency from the opposition political parties in the August 23 election, as campaign teams work endlessly on the ground in order to reach out to the electorate, drum up support, and solicit votes for His Excellency President E. D. Mnangagwa and the revolutionary Party Zanu PF to secure an overwhelming and resounding electoral victory.
More importantly, he was grateful and cognizant of the unshakable and unflinching support they receive from Politburo member Cde Tsitsi Veronica Mzenda.
Mukwembi went on to commend the positive working relationship that they have with the Gweru District Coordinating Committee headed by Hon. Brown Ndlovu for the exceptional work they devote themselves in, not forgetting other Party officials worthy of mention such as the district chairpersons and their executives, as well as the people they command on the ground, for the top notch workmanship in collaboration and concerted effort.
He acknowledged the presence of Teachers4ED affiliates as obvious evidence that the ruling Party is much appreciated and liked in that sector. Additionally, he applauded the attendance of Warvetarans at the meeting as an unambiguous demonstration and sign of their unshakable dedication, allegiance, and devotion to Zanu PF, and complimented them for their contributions and responsibilities in the Constituency. Finally, Hon. Mukwembi urged the public in Gweru Urban Constituency to refrain from behaviors and antics that cause despair before and after elections, nevertheless he implored the electorate in Gweru Urban to remain unified and peaceful.
On the sidelines of the meeting, Dr Mumbengegwi he stressed the importance of young people being the vine guard to economic revolution and to be innovative Zimbabweans in their approach to liberating the economy.
He said young people should have unbridled energy to liberate the country’s economy with entrepreneurial projects that are growth-promoting in Zimbabwe.
“The youth of today must challenge themselves to identify what role they can play as young patriotic citizens to liberate our nation from economic underdevelopment, I encourage young people to be the vine guard of the economy which means they have to be imaginative, creative, work hard, and not give up on their nation,” said Minister Mumbengegwi.
He further said there is a need for young people to hostilely explore and exploit various trades and investment opportunities that arise, in contribution towards eradicating poverty and promoting better living conditions.
”Zimbabwe as a country cannot surge forward when its youths are trapped in poverty, therefore my call to the youth is to commit your selves to economic liberation and economic development.
The challenge we have today is that the youth do not appreciate that our country was liberated by young people, drawing back to the ZANU Congress of 1964 it was the youth of our generation that chose freedom through confrontation which was an armed struggle even though they had no single gun, basically, I am alluding to this example to show young people that where there is a way there is a wheel” he said. #The Sun