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PRESIDENT Mugabe is the only African leader who has successfully managed to deal with forces of neo-colonialism, ensuring Zimbabweans have total control of their resources in the process, youths from sister liberation movements have said.
In their solidarity messages, delegates from sister liberation movements attending the 6th zanu-pf Youth League conference yesterday said President Mugabe’s assumption of the Sadc and African Union chairmanship this month and next year would advance resource nationalism on the continent.
The delegates also demanded the unconditional lifting of the West’s illegal sanctions regime.
Swapo (Namibia) youth league spokesperson Cde Job Amupanda described President Mugabe as “brave” and an inspiration to the continent.
“We have come here to proclaim to you that Zimbabwe under the leadership of Cde Mugabe is the bravest on the African continent,” he said.
“We come here to proclaim to youths that we are inspired by the fact that Zimbabwe is the only Sadc country that fully owns its country and economy. We are proud that it is the only country that has successfully managed to deal with the forces of neo-colonialism.”
Cde Amupanda commended Zimbabwe for embarking on the land reform programme and for its successes in education.
“Economies in Africa, the Sadc region in particular, have been built by Zimbabweans,” he said.
“They can say whatever they want, but go to any African country, university, you will always find Zimbabwean professors, scientists and doctors.
“When zanu-pf overwhelmingly won the last election, we condemned the reactionary Morgan Tsvangirai as a puppet of the West. We have seen condemnation on the Swapo party but we are saying it again in Zimbabwe that he is a puppet and should be treated as such.”
Secretary-general of the Pan-African Youth Union Cde Tendai Wenyika said winds of change would blow across Africa beginning this month when President Mugabe assumes the Sadc chairmanship.
“As you takeover the Sadc and AU chairmanship, you have a mammoth task because we have been infiltrated, but I believe winds of change will blow across Africa because of you,” she said.
MPLA (Angola) representative Bernado Catoto said the West should leave Zimbabwe to decide its future by lifting the illegal economic sanctions regime.
“We recommend strongly to the USA and EU to end the economic sanctions on Zimbabwe so that Zimbabweans can freely live their lives, deciding what is good for themselves and developing their nation politically, economically and socially,” he said.
United National Independence Party’s (Zambia) Stephen Kamwengo said: “Your victory against retrogressive forces in the last elections is our common victory. It is a triumph for humanity.
“We forge ahead and give Zanu-PF reliable support in their victories, struggles against machinations undermining their economy and the able, wise leadership of President Mugabe. Your land reform and policies are progressive for Africans to own what belongs to them.”
Mozambique’s Frelimo also gave a solidarity message, while representatives from the DRC and Tanzania were expected in the country last night.
The more than 3 000 delegates from the country’s 10 provinces attending the conference were in a vibrant mood, singing revolutionary songs and dancing as they acknowledged the presence of First Lady Amai Grace Mugabe and members of the First Family.
Clad in national and party colours, the youths ululated each time the First Lady’s name was mentioned.
The youths on Friday endorsed the recommendation by the Women’s League that Amai Mugabe be appointed Women’s League boss at the December National People’s Congress.
The delegates were treated to songs by sungura musician Sulumani Chimbetu and the police band.