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Felex Share Senior Reporter
The fresh five-year mandate given to President Mnangagwa by the electorate affords him an opportunity to carry on with his vision of taking Zimbabwe to greater heights in all spheres, Vice-President Constantino Chiwenga said yesterday.

Giving a vote of thanks after President Mnangagwa took theoath of office at the National Sports Stadium, VP Chiwenga said with focused leadership, Zimbabwe will be a great nation again.

He said President Mnangagwa’s administration had demonstrated its capabilities in the last seven months, engaging and re-engaging with various nations and opening Zimbabwe for business among other initiatives to improve the country’s econ- omy.

“In your maiden inauguration speech seven months ago, you spelt out that you would hit the ground running in the discharge of duty,” VP Chiwenga said.

“Indeed, that has been physically evident, through your engagement, re-engagement initiatives and the Zimbabwe open for business policy thrust. The aforementioned has witnessed the improvement of the country’s relations with the rest of the international community.

“Your Excellency, the fresh mandate has been bestowed upon you by the Almighty God and the people of Zimbabwe and affirmed principally by Sadc and the African Union as well as other progressive countries and organisations.”

He said the post-election political violence that claimed six lives was perpetrated by “malcontents who abused the freedoms of expression, assembly and association” guaranteed to them.

“Your call for love, unity, peace and stability ensures that the people of Zimbabwe focus on improving their livelihoods and national development issues,” VP Chiwenga said.

“We are confident that you will guide the country with the support of cooperating partners the world over and call for the unconditional removal of all forms of sanctions, which have remained an Achilles heel in Zimbabwe’s efforts to access lines of credit and balance of payment support as well as investments.”

He went on: “We want to assure you that the people of Zimbabwe will continue to give you full support in your quest to transform the economy and make the country great again.

“For instance, the launch of the Zimbabwe Women’s Microfinance Bank and the Youth Empower Bank demonstrated your altruism and thrust towards addressing gender imbalances and unemployment.”

He thanked Zanu-PF cadres and well-wishers who made the campaign trail a success, leading to President Mnangagwa and the revolutionary party’s victory.