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Incoming President Cde Emmerson Mnangagwa

The ruling party Zanu-PF has nominated Cde Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa to fill the vacancy of President following President Mugabe’s resignation on 21 November 2017. Speaker of Parliament Advocate Jacob Mudenda told the august House on Wednesday afternoon that Parliament had also notified the Chief Secretary to the Office of the President and Cabinet to make the necessary arrangements for the swearing in ceremony which has been slated for Friday, November 24, as well as the handover takeover process. In terms of the Constitution, if the office of the President falls vacant, it must be filled by a nominee of the Party which the former President came from. The nominee must take oath of office within 48 hours.

Speaker of the House of Assembly Advocate Jacob Mudenda announcing the swearing in of Cde Emmerson Mnangagwa as President of Zimbabwe in parliament. Picture by John Manzongo

Speaker of the House of Assembly Advocate Jacob Mudenda and president of the senate Ednah Madzongwe during the announcement of the swearing in of Cde Emmerson Mnangagwa as President of Zimbabwe in parliament. Picture by John Manzongo

Meanwhile the official South African Government News Agency tweeted through its official handle @SAgovnews Wednesday afternoon the picture above of Zimbabwe’s Incoming President Cde Mnangagwa paying a courtesy call on SA President Jacob Zuma. Cde Mnangagwa is expected in the country today.

Earlier today multitudes had gathered at Manyame Airbase in Harare where they expected to welcome Cde Mnangagwa. However they later moved to Zanu-PF headquarters were numbers continued to swell throughout the day as they awaited the arrival into the country, of Cde Mnangagwa.

Earlier today multitudes had gathered at Manyame Airbase to welcome Incoming President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa.

Earlier today multitudes had gathered at Manyame Airbase to welcome Incoming President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa.

Earlier today multitudes had gathered at Manyame Airbase to welcome Incoming President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa.

 17:21 – Zanu-Pf supporters are gathered at their party headquarters to welcome Incoming President cde Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa who had left the country following his expulsion from Government as Vice President a fortnight ago.

Part of the crowd gathered at Zanu-PF headquarters to welcome Incoming President Mnangagwa.

17:28 – Cde Mnangagwa takes over from Cde Robert Mugabe who, last Saturday, was recalled by the Zanu-PF Central Committee from the position of President and First Secretary of the party. Cde Mugabe subsequently tendered his resignation amid impeachment on 21 November 2017 after 37 years in power.

17:38 – Cde Mnangagwa is expected to address Zanu-PF supporters who are gathered here with their placards emblazoned with heart warming messages.

17:41– Some of the messages bear the messages, “Welcome Back Our Hero,” ” ED For a New Zimbabwe,” “Thanks You War Vets” and “Thank You ZDF,” among others.

17:51 – Loud cheers as Cde Auxilia Mnangagwa, wife to the newly appointed party President, arrives at Zanu-PF headquarters ahead of Incoming President Mnangagwa’s address.

19:03 – Cde Emmerson Mnangagwa arrives at the party headquarters to address thousands of supporters who have endured the wait since morning.

19:08 – With his trademark dance that irked former President Mugabe and wife Dr Grace Mugabe, Cde Mnangagwa joins the jubilant crowd in dancing to Jah Prayzah’s “Kutonga Kwaro” which has became a sort of an anthem for Zanu PF supporters.

19:12 – Dr Obert Mpofu addresses the crowd. He addresses Cde Mnangagwa as the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe and Cde Auxilia Mnangagwa as the distinguished First Lady.

19:17 – “Your Excellency, the events of the past two weeks have been happening at lightning speed but all to bring hope to the people of Zimbabwe,” says Dr Mpofu

19:18–  He thanks the ZDF saying they fought hard to bring dictatorship to an end. Dr Mpofu describes the army as the most disciplined and educated force in the world.

He introduces Cde Mnangagwa who is now the President of Zanu PF and the President in waiting for Zimbabwe.

The President Cde Mnangagwa comes to the podium and  moves the crowd with his trademark “Pasi nemhanduuuu . .  .!”

WATCH VIDEO:

19:21 – “Exactly 16 days ago, I received a letter firing me as VP of Zimbabwe. Within two hours, I was informed of plans to eliminate me. Realising that on the 12th of August, I was subjected to poisoning resulting in me being airlifted to South Africa.”

19:22 – “This time around, I could not wait for them to eliminate me.”

19:23 – Cde Mnangagwa says the G40 cabal had captured the Executive and the orders were no longer coming from those who were meant to make them.

19:24 – I am sure you saw my letter to the President where I advised him that he has always said if the people no longer want him, he would step down and as such, he ought to listen.

19:25 – “Today, you are witnessing a new democratic dispensation.

19:26 – Cde Mnangagwa says he has been in constant touch with the service chiefs since ZDF’s Operation Restore legacy started.

Cde Mnangagwa pledges to be a people’s servant and asks all Zimbabweans to work together for the good of the economy and employment creation.

19:28 – Cde Mnangagwa announces that he is already receiving messages from neighbouring and international friends willing to work with Zimbabwe in turning around the economy.

“I have also communicated with the South African and Namibian Presidents as well as Former Tanzanian President Mr Jakaya Kikwete and they have applauded Zimbabweans for the peaceful manner and conduct during the operation.

“People want food, security and jobs. We need to work together to ensure we deliver. I dedicate myself to be your servant,” he says much to the joy of the crowd.

He says a lot of lies were told, with reference to a serpent’s head being crushed, and asks, “I do not know whose head has been crushed.”

He concludes with his trademark “Pasi nemhanduuuu, pasi nemhanduuuuu,” slogan.

This wraps up this update.

UPDATES: Simiso Mlevu, PHOTOGRAPHER: Wilson Kakurira; VIDEO EDITOR: Noel Munjanja; ONLINE EDITOR: Happiness Chikwanha