Gweru (New Ziana) – President Emmerson Mnangagwa said on Friday the Freedom of the City of Gweru status bestowed on him by the local municipality was a tribute to the country’s freedom fighters who liberated it from colonial bondage.
In an acceptance speech, President Mnangagwa said it was through the protracted liberation struggle and the sacrifices made by the gallant sons and daughters of the soil, that Zimbabwe attained independence, freedom and democracy.
“This honour, which has been bestowed on me is, thus, a tribute to the sacrifices of all the gallant sons and daughters who fought for our independence, to build peace, unity and ultimately the development of our great motherland, Zimbabwe,” he said.
The President said recalled growing up during the oppressive colonial administration when Gweru was called Gwelo and blacks were not privileged to work and move freely in towns and cities across the country.
He said the decision to honour him was apolitical as Gweru City Council is made up of councillors from different political parties, backgrounds and persuasions.
He said the honour was also a demonstration that the country’s democracy is maturing and some political leaders across the political party divide were able to act objectively for the broader national good.
“This is what it should be. We are all Zimbabweans, and this is our only home,” he said.
He thanked Gweru Mayor Hamutendi Kombayi and his councillors for the gesture which he said received with ‘humility and shock.’
“Congratulations Gweru, through this act, you further attest to the fact that there is much more that unites us, no matter our party preferences.”
He said such spirit should permeate throughout the country even as the country gears up for the upcoming general elections.
“Let us remain united, preaching peace, love and harmony among our people,” he said.
The President said Gweru is known as the City of Progress, and council should ensure that this mantra is translated into realities on the ground.
President Mnangagwa said delivery of quality water and sewer infrastructure, roads, ICTs, waste management and refuse collection, public lighting, as well as other critical services for the citizens must be scaled up.
Vice President Constantino Chiwenga said the recognition was in honour of a man who has contributed to the growth and development of Gweru.
He said the conferment symbolizes the confidence that the people of Gweru, Midlands and Zimbabwe have in President Mnangagwa.
Speaker of Parliament Jacob Mudenda said the President more than deserved the coveted civic recognition especially on account of his contribution to the development of urban local authorities including Gweru.
Mayor Kombayi said his council last year resolved to give the President the honour as Gweru has benefited through devolution and Zinara funds which have played a part in the development of the city.
He pleaded with the President to assist Gweru improve water supply to residents which is affected by power outages and obsolete infrastructure.
New Ziana
