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Cletus Mushanawani Mashonaland Central Bureau
MASHONALAND Central will remain loyal to the ruling Zanu-PF because it suffered the brunt of the liberation struggle than most provinces, the provincial leadership has said.

In separate interviews ahead of this year’s 39th Independence celebrations, both the Minister of State for Mashonaland Central Provincial Affairs, Cde Monica Mavhunga and Politburo member Cde Kenneth Musanhi concurred that most people in the province understood the value of an independent state.

“Preparations for this year’s Independence Day celebrations are progressing well,” said Minister Mavhunga. “The preparations committee has been meeting regularly and from their briefings all is set for the big day.

“We are the leading province in terms of supporting the ruling party as evidenced by our clean sweep of all National Assembly seats during last year’s harmonised elections. We understand the value of an independent Zimbabwe because we suffered the brunt of the liberation struggle.

“We lost a lot of gallant sons and daughters of this province for us to enjoy the freedom that we have today.”

Minister Mavhunga called on the people of Mashonaland Central to turn out in their numbers at various centres where Independence Day commemorations would be held.

“This year’s Independence Day celebrations are also important as the Second Republic is now walking its talk on the promises it made to the electorate,” she said. “The devolution agenda is now gathering momentum and we have embraced it here in the province.

“We are in the process of carrying out a resources audit so that we have a clear picture of what the province is endowed with. We want to ensure that there is both political and economic independence of our people in Mash Central.”

Cde Musanhi, who is also the legislator for Bindura North, said: “If you look closely at the history of the liberation struggle you will realise that Mashonaland Central contributed a lot and we have maintained our loyalty to the ruling Zanu-PF,” he said.

“Occasions like Independence Day celebrations should be embraced by everyone. So we are inviting everyone from across the political divide to be part of the celebrations. We have every reason to celebrate our independence as more economic opportunities were opened for us.”

Cde Musanhi chronicled how he received a thorough beating from the whites during the colonial era when he tried to use a toilet in Harare’s Central Business District.

“I remember one incident when I was in the city centre in Harare (then Salisbury) and had was in urgent need of a toilet. I didn’t know that as blacks we were not allowed to use the toilets in the CBD,” he said.

“I rushed into one of the toilets and when I had finished relieving myself, I got a thorough bashing. This is now history and we want everyone in Zimbabwe to join hands and work for the betterment of this country.

“All those who were allocated land should fully utilise it because we took up arms to fight for our land. We should be prepared to leave a legacy that future generations will be proud of.”