What Mnangagwa and Chamisa said on Zimbabwe’s 40th independence anniversary

Going through today’s 40^th independence anniversary speeches by President Emmerson Mnangagwa and opposition leader Nelson Chamisa, one is left wondering what is really holding these two leaders apart. Have a look.

Mnangagwa’s speech

The First Lady, Amai Auxillia Mnangagwa; Honourable Vice President, Gen. (Rtd) Dr. C.G.D.N. Chiwenga; Honourable Vice President, Col. (Rtd) Cde. K. C.D. Mohadi and Amai Mohadi; Honourable Speaker of the National Assembly, Advocate J.F. Mudenda, Honourable President of the Senate, Amai M.M. Chinomona, Honourable Ministers, Honourable Minister of State for Harare Metropolitan Province, Cde. Oliver Chidawu, The Chief Justice, Honourable Luke Malaba, Honourable Members of Parliament, Your Excellencies, Members of the Diplomatic Corps, Service Chiefs, Families of the Heroes of our Liberation Struggle, War Veterans, War Collaborators, Ex-Detainees and Restrictees, Traditional Leaders, Ladies and Gentlemen, Fellow Zimbabweans,

I am honoured and privileged to make this video address on the occasion of the 40th Independence Day commemorations for our country’s freedom. Forty years ago, we became a self-governing people after nearly a century of settler colonial rule; a sovereign Nation born out of protracted armed struggle.

As we celebrate this important milestone in our history, let us not forget those who started the journey, the thousands of gallant freedom fighters who lost their lives and others who lost limbs. All of them made sacrifices so that we can today stand tall, as masters of our own destiny; a free people in our own land.

May our children and grandchildren always enjoy freedom, while defending their rich cultural heritage and working hard, in unity, for an ever prosperous future.

Congratulations Zimbabwe, Makorokoto, Amhlophe! Happy 40th Independence Anniversary Zimbabwe!

This year, we had planned to celebrate this grand occasion, in Bulawayo Province; marking the beginning of a decentralized way of celebrating this important national day. Devolution in action, as one people and a united nation, from Beitbridge to Chirundu, and from Plumtree to Mutare.

However, the reality of the COVID-19 Pandemic is seeing us endure a necessary lockdown in our homes.

Although we are physically separated, we are united in spirit. The time to celebrate together shall come. For our founding fathers, and gallant heroes and heroines, the patriotic thing to do was to fight for our freedom. Today, our task, in relation to Covid-19, is to stay at home, keep our distance and wash our hands. In addition, we must produce, produce and produce; that way, we celebrate our Independence by saving lives and our economy. Together we will get through this, as we celebrate the old, and embrace the new.

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