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Updates by Simiso Mlevu , Costa Mano and Timothy Maponga

1839: President Mugabe has finished his address and with that we end our updates. 

1835: Wrapping up his address, President Mugabe has promised the people of Mashonaland Central that he will come back again.

“I will come again, when National Political Commissar starts organising bigger rallies. This time during the day. Bindura is closer to Harare”

Thank you for coming. Tinotenda.

 1833: One voice from the crowd shouts “tinovimba nemi baba” to which he responds “Neniwo ndinovimba nemi. Ndimi maita kuti Africa ivimbe neni.”

1832: “I am very proud of the support you have given me over the years and which has made me an admiration of Africa….Gushungo vanodada nemi,” he said.

1829: He has encouraged party supporters to despair not adding that Zanu PF is a formidable party which is not moved by emerging opposition forces.

1828: The First Secretary of Zanu PF said the party is aware that opposition parties are holding meetings in South Africa to formalise a coalition against Zanu PF.

1826: President Mugabe said he learnt with pleasure that civil servants have gone back to work.

1824: He urged the people of Zimbabwe to embrace Bond Notes saying they are a legal tender meant to ease cash flow challenges.

“Inhamo yemazuva ano. Ichapera. They will get their money,” he said.

1823: “So, when we transact, the West inquires and sometimes withholds our money because of sanctions.”

1822: “We should be cognisant of the fact that we are using foreign currency. Used most is the United States Dollars.”

1822: One of the problems we are faced with as Zimbabwe, President Mugabe said are sanctions.

1821: On late payment of civil servants salaries, President Mugabe has said it is true the Government has been facing challenges and at times delaying paying people by weeks or even months. He has appealed to the people’s conscience to remember that every nation has its problems.

1819: He has called on the people of Mashonaland Central to keep bringing forward their grievances adding that as a leader, it would embarrass him to learn that people are dying of hunger.

1817: “When we say we fought for the people, why then are we fighting them,” President Mugabe says.

1815: President Mugabe has emphasised that guns must not lead politics, but instead it should be vice versa.

1814: He has called on politicians not to force people to support them. Adding that people must support parties out of will.

1812:  “some of the issues include nyaya yekwaWimbo uko kwakamborira pfuti.”

1811: “I had come to Mash Central to address some of the issues reported to me. We took time in the meeting and did not finish.”

1810: President takes to the podium and apologises to the masses for coming to the stadium late.

1807: Mashonaland Central Zanu PF provincial chairman invites National Political Commissar to introduce national leadership here present. Cde Kasukuwere invites H.E to address party supporters.

1806: Party supporters chant Gushungo Gushungo as he takes his seat.

1804: President has arrived at Chipadze Stadium to address multitudes of party supporters who braved the chilly weather waiting for him.

1728: President Mugabe is expected to arrive any moment now.

1725: Ministers Sekeramayi, Mohadi and Made as well as Bulawayo Provincial Affairs Minister Eunice Sandi Moyo have arrived at the rally venue.

1543: Scores of people are now at Chipadze Stadium waiting for the arrival of President Mugabe who is still in a closed door meeting with the provincial leadership. SulumanChimbetu has been providing the entertainment and has now paved the way for  Bindura Urban Chimurenga choir.

Suluman Chimbetu provides the entertainment

1404: The President  is now in a briefing with Mashonaland Central National Assembly members, party leadership and traditional leaders.

Zanu-PF supporters have thronged Chipadze Stadium.

1341: President Mugabe has arrived.

President Mugabe arrives

President Mugabe is today set to meet Mashonaland Central Provincial leadership in Bindura as part of his provincial tours.

Cdes Chombo, Chipanga, Sekeramayi and Tongai Kasukuwere

He will meet Zanu-PF National Assembly members, Senators, party leadership and traditional leaders at a closed door meeting at Bindura University of Science Education Mount Darwin road campus.

Mbare Chimurenga waiting for President in Bindura. Pictures by Simiso Mlevu

Thereafter, he will address a rally at Chipadze Stadium.

Several Government officials are already here in Bindura for a meeting with President Mugabe.

Already here at the venue is Ministers of State Security Kembo Mohadi, Home Affairs Dr Ignatius Chombo, Defense Dr Sydney Sekeramayi.

Minister of Local Government Savior Kasukuwere as well as Media, Information and Broadcasting Services Minister Dr Chris Mushohwe have also arrived. Commissioner General of the Zimbabwe Republic Police Dr Augustine Chihuri and Primary and Secondary Education Minister Dr Lazarus Dokora is also among delegates who are waiting for President Mugabe.

Minister of State in Vice President Phelekezela Mphoko’s office, Tabeth Kanengoni-Malinga and Minister of State for Mashonaland Central Provincial Affairs Advocate Martin Dinha are also here at BUSE Mt Darwin road campus.