The Sunday News
Munyaradzi Musiiwa, Midlands Correspondent
VICE-President Constantino Chiwenga has implored youths to emulate President Emmerson Mnangagwa who remained resolute during trying times and was able to forgive his enemies and those who transgressed against him.
Addressing youths and party supporters during the Youths Convention at an open space adjacent to Mkoba Teacher’s College in Gweru last week, Vice-President Chiwenga said President Mnangagwa was a selflessly dedicated cadre who has committed himself to serving the country.
VP Chiwenga said President Mnangagwa underwent trying times during the liberation struggle and hitherto his ascendancy to presidency in November last year and remained steadfast.
He said President Mnangagwa is an inspirational leader whose life history should enthuse youths to be patriotic and jealously guard the country and the gains of the liberation struggle.
“Let us emulate our able and visionary leader President Mnangagwa. I want to explain a bit about our President. President Mnangagwa overcame a lot of hurdles in his life including during the liberation struggle when he first went to Zambia in protest against the evil shackles of colonialism.
“He came back to fight and was arrested after derailing a locomotive. He then survived death after he was sentenced to death.
He remained resolute. You should remain resolute just like ED, mucharamba makazvipirawo here?
“After independence he rose through the ranks. He later sneaked out of the country last year after threats on his life. But he remained steadfast.
Are you prepared to sacrifice for your country and the party like what young Dambudzo did? Are we able to do that?” he said.
VP Chiwenga said youths should safeguard the gains of the liberation struggle by supporting the revolutionary party.
“In the new Zimbabwe led by President Mnangagwa, we do not want people who are selfish and beg for sanctions so that the people of this country suffer while they enjoy with their families.
“Be patriotic and jealously safeguard our revolutionary gains, our land and mineral resources. We should do away with self-centredness and corruption.
“We must perpetuate party values and identity. You should understand where we came from, where we are and where we are going,” he said.
VP Chiwenga implored youths not to be vindictive and desist from political violence and hate speech against other political players.
He said youths should be guided by the party constitution and ideology and show political maturity.
“As youths we must respect people, party leadership and constitution from the cell level up to national. Do not be provoked by other people with whom you do not share the same opinion, tanzwa muchiti zvanyanya but leave them alone.
“Do not respond to them no matter how much we are provoked. Be like our President, he is not vindictive, he is principled and disciplined,” he said.
