Do not be divided and misled by social media, Govt says

Source: Do not be divided and misled by social media, Govt says | The Sunday Mail

Sunday Mail Reporter

ZIMBABWEANS, both at home and abroad, should “remain vigilant, patriotic and steadfast” and never allow themselves to be misled by “shadowy elements with dubious opportunistic agendas”, President Mnangagwa has said.

In his 45th Independence Day speech in Nembudziya, Gokwe, on Friday, the President said all patriotic Zimbabweans should guard against the dangers of social media.

“All patriotic Zimbabweans are reminded of the need to guard against the dangers of social media, which is increasingly being used as a tool to cause discord and raise false alarms,” he said.

“I commend you, my dear fellow compatriots, both at home and abroad, for remaining vigilant, patriotic and steadfast, never allowing ourselves to be misled by shadowy elements with dubious opportunistic agendas.

“Ngatirambe takabatana, tichivaka nyika yedu. Tose tine mutoro wekushandira Zimbabwe. Ngatizivikanwe kuti takashandira dunhu kana nyika yekwedu, nekubatanidza vanhu. (Let’s remain united. We have the onus to work towards the success of Zimbabwe. Let us be remembered for contributing towards the country’s success and uniting its people).

“The values of love, mutual support and trust are handed down from generation to generation, just like our culture, traditions, history and moral principles. Moral standards and the family institution must be deliberately protected.”

All Zimbabweans, he said, have a duty to protect the country from “elements, both within and outside our borders, who want the regression of our national development course”.

“Hand-in-hand, with focus and discipline, let us defend and work harder for the benefit of our motherland, Zimbabwe, now and in the future. We salute our security services for their loyalty, patriotism and unflinchingly defending our country, sovereignty; territorial integrity; and hard-won independence,” he said.

President Mnangagwa’s message comes in the wake of concerted efforts by the country’s detractors to destabilise the country through calling for demonstrations and protests against the Government.

However, Zimbabweans have continued to throw their full weight behind the President and the Government.

Separately, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Dr Jenfan Muswere yesterday said while “social media terrorists” were determined to demonise the country and disturb the prevailing peace, the Government remained focused on national development.

He also said days of renegade and rogue war veteran Blessed Geza and other cyber terrorists were numbered.

“The days for cyber terrorists are numbered, as we have more than the capacity to apprehend them; the long arm of the law will get them,” he said.

“The decentralisation and devolution of national events by Government, under President ED Mnangagwa, is part of the inclusive approach to leave no one and no place behind.

“This year’s independence anniversary celebrations were a great success as the people of Midlands and Gokwe had an opportunity to host the celebrations.

“The President’s focus is to bring all the Government machinery to all parts of the country, including the most marginalised areas.

“While social media terrorists’ objective, as merchants of falsehoods, is to demonise the image and peace and tranquillity in Zimbabwe, we remain focused on national development.”

The Government, Dr Muswere said, was aware of those who were sponsoring mischief-makers.

“We are aware of the dirty coins of silver that have exchanged hands and the desperation to continue fundraising through chasing mirages,” he said.

The wet weather in Gokwe failed to dampen spirits as a huge turnout witnessed the celebrations that were presided over by President Mnangagwa, who, himself as a struggle stalwart that hails from the province, braved the chilly conditions to steer the glitch-free auspicious event.

“Despite the weather, the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces graced the occasion,” he said.

“We are confident that the investments that Government has put in place, including more works after independence, will assist in the development of our country. While regime change cyber terrorists pray for doom and catastrophe, we pray for development.”

The Government also gave an assurance that the ongoing developmental works will continue even after the commemorations, as the ultimate objective was to bring development even to remote parts of the country.