Harare, (New Ziana) – Following its full registration as a Private Voluntary Organisation (PVO), the Citizens Against Economic Sanctions (CAES) has set its sight on intensifying the campaign against the embargoes that the United States of America and its Western allies imposed on Zimbabwe at the turn of the millennium.
CAES founding executive director Martin Zharare said this at a press conference held in Harare on Tuesday.
At the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) Anti-Sanctions Day commemorations in Bulawayo last year, President Mnangagwa signed an e-petition which is targeting one million signatures calling for the removal of the sanctions.
“After a rigorous registration process that took many years, we are now a registered organisation under the PVO Act (Chapter 17:05). I would like to extend my gratitude to President Mnangagwa for his unwavering support and approval of our registration. This recognition is a seal of approval to the Government’s commitment to empowering its citizens and promoting development through CAES
“As CAES, we thank all our members countrywide, who have built this anti-sanctions organisation from scratch. Their dedication and love for our motherland is truly commendable. I urge you to continue mobilizing and bringing more people to this organisation until everyone in Zimbabwe is reached and made aware of the dangers of sanctions to people brainwashed by American propaganda,” said Zharare.
He added that as a registered organisation, the CAES is now mandated to embark on a developmental trajectory, bringing development and empowering programs to people affected by sanctions.
Zharare said the programs and projects that they are rolling out will, to a certain extent, shield the beneficiary communities from the effects of the economic sanctions.
“We need support as we approach this year’s October 25 SADC Anti-Sanctions Day commemorations. We can nolonger afford to just cry out against sanctions. It’s time to put our heads together and bust them through working hard in mining, agriculture, manufacturing and any other endeavour that empowers our people.
“CAES is implementing projects that will make a tangible impact on the lives of every Zimbabwean. In partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture, Lands, Water, Fisheries and Rural Development, we are undertaking massive projects in water provision to the people,” he said.
He said CAES is currently drilling boreholes in Matebeleland North, Mashonaland Central, Mashonaland West and Masvingo provinces under a drought-mitigation program.
Zharare also said they have since started making preparations for the SADC Anti-Sanctions Day this year.
President Mnangagwa is on record calling for unity of purpose in busting sanctions and challenging Zimbabweans to raise awareness on the negative effects of the economic embargoes.
New Ziana
