Source: Rally behind the President: Mutasa – herald
Ranga Mataire-Group Political Editor
FORMER Cabinet minister and newly-appointed member of the Zanu PF Elders Council, Cde Didymus Mutasa, has urged the nation to rally behind President Mnangagwa, stating that he has proven to be an all-embracing and development-oriented leader.
In a wide-ranging interview at his home in Rusape, Manicaland Province, Cde Mutasa praised Zanu PF for advancing Constitutional Amendment Act No. 3 (CAA3), which, among other provisions, extends the presidential term cycle from five to seven years.
“I want to urge all Zimbabweans to support President Mnangagwa because he is a visionary. Look at the roads, the infrastructure, and the way he is embracing everyone. Let him push through his development agenda; that is what we want in this country,” said Cde Mutasa.
He expressed gratitude to the President for recognising his capacity to offer guidance by appointing him to the ZANU PF Elders Council.
“I think my role, just like that of all the other members, is to support the President’s vision and offer our views on how the party can continue enunciating policies that benefit our people,” he said.
The Zanu PF Council of Elders is an advisory organ chaired Dr Sydney Sekeramayi. It comprises senior party stalwarts, former Cabinet ministers and liberation war figures.
The Council acts as an institutional repository of party history, ideology, and liberation war values, advising the executive and the Zanu PF Politburo on party direction.
Cde Mutasa said the setting up of the Elders Council by President Mnangagwa exemplifies an inclusive leader who widely consults before making decisions.
He added that he is gratified by how President Mnangagwa has facilitated the inclusion of young people across all echelons of both the party and the Government.
He described the active participation of youth in governance structures as a tonic for a solid future.
“It is a good thing for the country and the party. The revolutionary light will never be dimmed as young people are already learning from the elders,” Cde Mutasa said.
On the liberation struggle, Cde Mutasa emphasised that rehabilitating mass graves and monuments both inside and outside the country is essential for preserving the nation’s historical memory.
“Besides our freedom fighters on the war front, our people fought on different fronts by providing moral and material support, including critical information. Heroes Day is therefore a time to reflect on the sacrifices made by all Zimbabweans to free the country from colonial rule,” said Cde Mutasa.
The veteran nationalist also suggested erecting a statue or monument to honour Chief Rekayi Tangwena, the iconic traditional leader who famously resisted colonial subjugation in Nyafaru.
Cde Mutasa served as the first black Speaker of Parliament in independent Zimbabwe and held several key ministerial portfolios, in addition to serving as the Zanu PF Secretary for Administration from 2004 to 2015.
« Court halts Alexandra Park lodge operation
‘Church remains moral compass of Zimbabwe’ »