Zimpapers Logo

Freeman Razemba-Senior Reporter 

Zimbabweans from all walks of life congratulated President Mnangagwa on his 79th birthday wishing him many more years and inspiration to lead the country.

Vice President Constantino Chiwenga described the President as a renowned patriot, selfless liberator and military strategist, who has devoted his entire life to the liberation of Zimbabweans. 

“In his journey through the most defining moments, Cde Mnangagwa escaped the noose by a whisker and suffered a 10-year-old imprisonment in colonial Rhodesia. 

“His sheer determination and resolve saw him re-joining other freedom fighters in Mozambique until in 1980 when the country gained its political independence,” said VP Chiwenga.

VP Chiwenga

“Cde Dr ED Mnangagwa personifies the entire nation’s fervent desire for the rapid development of Zimbabwe through his wise counsel, firm and astute leadership in steering Zimbabwe to an empowered and prosperous upper middle income society by 2030.

“We spare a moment to reflect and cherish the astute, selfless and visionary leadership he continues to exhibit towards improving the quality of life of our citizenry in all areas.

“May the good Lord continue grant him more years of good health and wisdom as he navigates the terrain towards a prosperous nation without being distracted by negative forces and perceptions.”

The Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet Dr Misheck Sibanda said President Mnangagwa is a true patriot, fearless revolutionary and veteran of the Second Chimurenga that liberated Zimbabwe from colonial bondage.

Dr Sibanda

“Through his wise stewardship of the Second Republic, our country has scaled new heights in the entrenchment of democratic values and institutions which facilitate socio-economic empowerment of the previously downtrodden majority,” he said.

The Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services also wished the President continuous success as he champions the transformational agenda underpinned by the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1) that has started to bring substantial benefits to the people of Zimbabwe.

“We are gratified by your relentless efforts to guide the country towards Vision 2030 to transform the economy into an upper middle income society. 

“All the new achievements that you have championed in all the spheres of the economy can never go unnoticed,” said the ministry in a statement.

The Public Service Commission also said President Mnangagwa’s visionary leadership and unflinching focus on results continues to energise them.

“The upward trajectory on which you are steering our country’s socio-economic fortunes is clearly defined for all of us in the Public Service as we endeavour to deliver the services that support the attainment of the strategic goals you have set through Vision 2030.

“You have demonstrated in an emphatic manner that it is not analysis or opinion that matters as we engage the opportunities and challenges of development and progress as the economy gains momentum towards the attainment of the national Vision that you have written clearly so that we can all read and run with it,” said PSC.

The ruling Zanu PF, a party that he leads, praised President Mnangagwa for resisting the “vagaries of colonial dispossession and oppression”.

Zanu PF said the President endured his boyhood in the wilderness, toiling with fellow brave, youthful compatriots in the struggle for the country’s independence, freedom, right to self-determination and emancipation. 

The Zanu PF Youth League described President Mnangagwa as a “revolutionary liberator, a transformer who has dedicated his life to the emancipation of Zimbabwe from a tender age”. 

“He has made unprecedented strides in the social, economic and political arena since assuming the Presidential office in 2017,” said the acting Deputy National Secretary for Youth Affairs Cde Tendai Chirau.

Cde Chirau