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President Mugabe

Felex Share recently in Masvingo—
African leaders should emulate President Mugabe and impart the pan-African vision to youths, diplomats accredited to Zimbabwe have said. They said youths empowered with pan-Africanism will resist Western machinations. Diplomats who attended President Mugabe’s 92nd birthday celebrations at the Great Zimbabwe Monuments in Masvingo on Saturday said schemes by the continent’s former colonisers to dominate Africans in every aspect needed the valour displayed by President Mugabe.

Dean of African diplomats and Democratic Republic of Congo Ambassador to Zimbabwe Mr Mwawapanga Mwanananga said Africa was blessed to have President Mugabe in leadership. “This is a very important day because first of all old age, long life, is a blessing from God and to have rain on this day in a year when we have drought shows that the man is blessed,” he said.

“I am really impressed celebrating the 92nd birthday of the President. I regard President Mugabe as the President and leader for Africa. It is my prayer that so many leaders and people will actually emulate what he is doing. He is really inspiring the youths and also planting a seed in the youths of boldness and courage.”

President Mugabe turned 92 on February 21 and the Zanu-PF Youth League chose the Great Zimbabwe Monuments as the venue for the traditional 21st February Movement celebrations. Namibia Ambassador to Zimbabwe Ms Balbina Daes Pienaar said President Mugabe’s wisdom was needed in leading Africa to prosperity.

She said big events, like the President’s birthday, were critical in unifying people. “It is a very historic day at a very historic site,” she said. “Namibia is really happy to have this opportunity to wish the President many more years, more wisdom and strength to lead Africa. We are still blessed because he is rapporteur at the African Union and that means his guidance is still needed.”

Chinese ambassador to Zimbabwe Mr Huang Ping said: “This is my first time in Zimbabwe to see such a large number of people coming together to dine in celebration of their leader’s birthday. This simply shows that the man is loved by his people.

“We want more years of life for the President as we continue to take our bilateral relations to the highest level. President Xi Jinping has said he will join hands to continue strengthening our relationship and good co-operation. He was greatly impressed by the hospitality he was given during his State Visit.”

A record crowd attended this year’s celebrations, which were held in a peaceful environment contrary to reports in the privately owned media that alleged tension and bloodletting.