Zimbabweans urged to reject detractors’ narratives

Nqobile Bhebhe

ZIMBABWEANS have been urged to steadfastly reject misleading narratives from detractors seeking to downplay the significant progress achieved under the Second Republic.

The nation is experiencing remarkable growth in agriculture, mining, tourism, infrastructure development, media and health sectors, among others.

Since his inauguration in 2017, President Mnangagwa has championed economic growth through initiatives such as “Zimbabwe is Open for Business,” aimed at attracting foreign direct investment (FDI) and steering the country towards achieving upper-middle-income status by 2030.

Despite challenges such as climate change-induced droughts and Western-imposed sanctions, the Second Republic has made notable strides. However, some elements continue to claim that the country is regressing.

Addressing thousands of congregants, including President Mnangagwa and Cabinet ministers, at the 8th National Thanksgiving and Dedication Service in Bulawayo on Sunday, Faith of the Nation Campaign founder and chairperson, Reverend Andrew Wutawunashe, said there is a need to recognise Zimbabwe’s undeniable growth trajectory.

“Your Excellency, it is of critical importance that we the people of Zimbabwe, who through a divinely assisted revolution were granted by the Lord this our own promised land, do not derail the tremendous progress which we have made in all fields as a nation since liberation which was our own God-given national exodus, and in particular since the ushering in of the Second Republic only a short seven years ago,” he said.

“We must resolutely reject the deceptive, destructive, and malignant voices of those who maliciously deny the exciting potential of our country and the evident progress we have made under the Second Republic as we pursue the laudable goals of Vision 2030.”

Rev Wutawunashe urged citizens to unite in building Zimbabwe into the most competitive African country of the 21st century.

“Let us also with a clear-headed and visionary understanding that the Lord has made us owners and stewards of a land with great future potential, join hearts, heads and hands in unity and apply ourselves to the task of building Zimbabwe into the most competitive African country of the 21st century, to the benefit and upliftment of our people,” he said.

The Minister of Information, Publicity, and Broadcasting Services, Dr Jenfan Muswere, highlighted key achievements of the Second Republic in 2024, during an interview with ZBC recently.

Among these were infrastructure projects, economic empowerment initiatives, and advancements in tourism, broadcasting, and land reform.

Dr Muswere provided a detailed overview of the Second Republic’s achievements in various key sectors.

“The focus for the year 2024 is that we have registered under the 100-day cycle projects, another 346 projects which have got a lot of positive life-changing impact in terms of poverty alleviation and also in terms of macro-economic growth,” he said.

“And also what is of key importance is the 2024/2025 agricultural season which has grown by more than 300 percent, which also reflects the Government’s commitment in terms of ensuring that we achieve food security. Yes, we have been affected here and there by the drought which is environmentally induced.”

Zion Christian Church leader, Bishop Nehemiah Mutendi, acknowledged that while challenges persist, patience and perseverance would see the nation overcome them.

“Challenges are inevitable. Let us remain steadfast in our pursuit of a better future for Zimbabwe, knowing that with patience and perseverance, our nation will overcome all obstacles,” he said.

In his address, President Mnangagwa said as the nation looks to the future, it is emboldened by the goodness of the Almighty God that helped to liberate the country from colonial bondage and ultimately helped Zimbabweans repossess their land that was in the hands of white colonialists.

“Today, we stand proud and tall as a truly free and independent people, enjoying the freedom of worship and advancing Godly values as well as a people-centred national development agenda,” he said.

The President added that developmental programmes will continue to be implemented under the Second Republic.

President of the Chiefs Council, Senator Chief Mtshane Khumalo, echoed the President’s call for grassroots involvement in national development.

“Our President has been moving around the country preaching the ‘nyika inovakwa nevene vayo’ mantra and people have taken this message and are building the nation from the grassroots. We need to be at the forefront of the development of our nation from our areas and as Chiefs we are going to work towards the development of our nation,” he said.