BY KENNETH NYANGANI
PRESIDENT Emmerson Mnangagwa yesterday accused opposition-led local government councils of being “corrupt opportunists”.
He made the remarks at the burial of the late national hero, Oliver Chidawu at the National Heroes’ Acre in the capital.
Chidawu (68) died last week due to suspected cardiac arrest. He made history in 1984 when he became Harare’s youngest mayor at 29.
In his eulogy, Mnangagwa said the 2023 elections presented residents an opportunity to remove the opposition from urban councils.
“The nation has, indeed, lost a development-oriented and humble minister, and he served the nation with utmost loyalty. He … built a vast business empire in sectors that have driven the national economy,” Mnangagwa said.
“His visionary leadership transformed the capital city to earn the accolade Sunshine City. During his tenure, Harare City Council provided high quality and reliable services to residents. It is most unfortunate that the achievements and legacy of the likes of engineer Chidawu have been ruined by the current crop of Harare city councillors.
“These opportunists have no affinity to improve the quality of life of our people and instead continue to abuse their public positions for personal expediency. The trend should not be allowed in the future. Residents in our urban areas must take back the power by voting for men and women with vision, ingenuity and unwavering passion to serve in public offices and the current rot in Harare and other local authorities under opposition parties must be brought to an end.
“The 2023 general elections present a yawning opportunity for ratepayers to correct the misnomer of having rogue and insensitive characters running local councils.”
Calling on urbanites to challenge the decadence in local authorities by voting for Zanu PF, Mnangagwa also said Zimbabwe continues to face attacks by “perennial detractors”.
Citizens Coalition for Change deputy spokesperson Gift Siziba rubbished Mnangagwa’s corruption claims by urban councillors, saying: “It is well known that the First Family is the main perpetrator of corruption and it has been benefiting from government tenders. As a country, we are losing at least US$2 billion to illicit financial flows and Zanu PF is well known for disturbing development in councils, and that is why most councils are struggling.”
Mnangagwa, please stop believing the lies that come out of your mouth. We, the povo, of Zimbabwe definitely don’t believe a single word you utter every time you open your mouth. We are not stupid. We are just waiting and watching. Your days are numbered. You may cheat and rig the elections all you want. The Chinese and the Muslims that are infiltrating Zimbabwe may grease zanpf’s palms with their money, by the way the Chinese and the Muslims in Zimbabwe are just as corrupt as zanupf, zanupf will eventually face their demise. Zanupf, you may intimidate and oppress the povo, but you cannot control our hearts. zanupf is a failure. Wake up Zimbabweans. mugabe thought he would rule Zimbabwe forever, but he was ousted by none other than Mnangagwa. ED who is going to be your ouster???
COMMENTS
Nice noticing a speck in your neighbour’s eye but ignoring the log in your eyes….
Mnangagwa, please stop believing the lies that come out of your mouth. We, the povo, of Zimbabwe definitely don’t believe a single word you utter every time you open your mouth. We are not stupid. We are just waiting and watching. Your days are numbered. You may cheat and rig the elections all you want. The Chinese and the Muslims that are infiltrating Zimbabwe may grease zanpf’s palms with their money, by the way the Chinese and the Muslims in Zimbabwe are just as corrupt as zanupf, zanupf will eventually face their demise. Zanupf, you may intimidate and oppress the povo, but you cannot control our hearts. zanupf is a failure. Wake up Zimbabweans. mugabe thought he would rule Zimbabwe forever, but he was ousted by none other than Mnangagwa. ED who is going to be your ouster???