MIDWEEK REPORTER
MASVINGO – The much-publicized 25th October ant-sanctions march was received with mixed feelings in Masvingo as most citizens chose to witness from afar.
The march is a concerted effort by Zimbabweans and other SADC countries to register their displeasure on sanctions that have been imposed on Zimbabwe by the West.
The local leadership, government departments that included the Zimbabwe National Army Band, Zimbabwe Republic Police, Zimbabwe Correctional and Prison Services and ZANU PF supporters marched in a demonstration against Western sanctions from Victoria Junior Primary School to Masvingo Civic Centre Gardens where they were addressed by the Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Ezra Chadzamira.
The contrast to the event which was supposed to be heartwarming is the number of bystanders who watched from the terraces passing derogatory comments while others fumed that ZANU PF was failing the country while they hid behind sanctions. Most people in Masvingo went on with their daily business as if everything was normal.
“This does not symbolize or change anything. How is this march going to change things here in Zimbabwe? They do it as if America is watching,” fumed one onlooker.
Another passerby joined the discussion immediately and had this to say, “I don’t think this is going make any difference. America will not be moved by this child play.”
Reactions, actions and expressions from the onlookers were very clear that they were not interested in what was happening.
Addressing people who had gathered after the march, the Minister of State for Masvingo Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Ezra Chadzamira urged everyone to remain resilient in fighting against the sanctions that were imposed by the West and thanked everyone who came to support the government despite the hardships brought by sanctions.
“This is the day that was set aside for us to fight and remember the illegal sanctions that have been imposed on Zimbabwe by Westerners and we condemn this injustice against the people of Zimbabwe,” said Chadzamira.
“Today we unite and harness the power to accelerate our development despite shadows cast on us to cripple our economy and these economic sanctions must go, Zimbabwe is a rich country in resources,” added Chadzamira.
“We will never yield to the sanctions and will never abandon a path we have chosen as a sovereign nation and in spite of the sanctions we continue to make progress and let us continue to build unity and resilience since it is our collective responsibility to build the Zimbabwe we want. Thank you all the citizens of the motherland and your enduring character that will propel us to the future forever,” concluded Chadzamira.
As all provinces joined the annual event, the national ceremony was held in Mutoko.
