More than just a million-man march: Analysts President Mugabe
President Mugabe

President Mugabe

Herald Reporters
THE Million-Man March organised by the zanu-pf Youth League in solidarity with President Mugabe tomorrow is a piece of history as it testifies to the longevity of the values and ethos of Africa’s founding fathers who pioneered the total decolonisation of the continent, political analysts and diplomats said yesterday.

By honouring President Mugabe — who was there in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, when the Organisation of African Unity was founded on May 25, 1963 — analysts said — the youths will shame detractors who thought they could capitalise on ahistoric youths in pursuit of the regime change agenda.

Over one million youths, war veterans and patriotic Zimbabweans are expected to converge at Robert Mugabe Square in Harare in honour of the Head of State and Government and First Secretary of the revolutionary party.

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The dean of African diplomats, Mr Mwawapanga Mwanananga and Ambassador of the Democratic Republic of Congo to Zimbabwe, yesterday said the march meant that zanu-pf policies resonated well with the youths.

“Zanu-pf is the oldest political party in the country and is the ruling party and the march is going to strengthen it. In French, there is a saying that ‘If you do not take care of politics, politics will take care of you.’ This march means zanu-pf is still mobilising people and is still the people’s party,” he said.

Mr Mwanananga said the march showed that Zimbabwean youths were conscious of the values the leadership of the party and that of Africa stood for.

“This march is very important because now that there is political freedom, many youths today do not understand why they are facing economic challenges. The Zimbabweans youths have mastered that ‘Seek political independence first and economic freedom later’ is the pillar in which nations are founded and built,” he said.

He said there was one university graduate at independence in the DRC in 1960, but with freedom, Congolese graduates were all over the world performing wonders.

The Million-Man March was making history by being held on Africa Day because Zimbabweans looked up to President Mugabe as an African icon, renowned academic Professor Sheunesu Mupepereki said.

“He was the chairman of the African Union, chairman of Sadc and most importantly he is one of the founding Presidents of African countries,” he said.

“He was there when the OAU was formed, related to the atmosphere and spirit of the founding fathers. The march is not only in support of the President but it is shining the light on him as a man who stood for black people. We are making history.

“He stands up and speaks on behalf of Africans. He is the most famous and influential icon whose actions have great impact.”

Prof Mupepereki added that President Mugabe stood up and articulated the interest and aspirations of the people of Africa.

“People of Zimbabwe can remain united if everyone aspires to do the interest of the majority. President Mugabe’s leadership shows that his interests lie in the welfare of black people. This is the message that should emanate from all Zimbabweans to ensure that all Africans are protected.

“Everyone should feel that they belong. Our President is not identified with a certain group but the whole of Zimbabwe and Africa as one people.”

Zanu-PF spokesperson Ambassador Simon Khaya Moyo, said there was need for all Zimbabweans including the youths to remain united under the leadership of President Mugabe.

“I am sure the President is going to hammer heavily on the need for unity in the party, the dangers of factionalism, regionalism and tribalism. We are the people’s party that was born out of liberation. The Unity Accord President Mugabe forged with his colleague (the late Father Zimbabwe Dr Joshua Nkomo) should not be broken by people fanning factionalism,” he said.

Cde Khaya Moyo said there was no room for people to propagate factionalism in Zanu – PF at a time when there was a leader appointed by the people.

“If you are a leader of a faction in Zanu-PF, we challenge you to get out of the party. The people must know that there is strength in unity and with factionalism, we will be doomed, we cannot not stand. We must go to 2013 elections united.”

“We congratulate the youths for the initiative to demonstrate in celebration of President Mugabe’s success as leader of the country since 1980 and as an African icon.

Assembly points have been created from which the youths will march to the venue, the Robert Mugabe Square near Rainbow Towers Hotel.

Masvingo and Mashonaland East will gather at Rufaro Stadium, Manicaland at Raylton Sports Club, Mashonaland West at Kensington Shopping Centre and Mashonaland Central opposite the South African Embassy.

Midlands and Matabeleland provinces will assemble at the National Sports Stadium.

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