Zimbabwe has come under renewed attacks by her detractors, President Emmerson Mnangagwa said Monday on the occasion of the country’s 40th National Heroes Day commemorations.
The claim by Mnangagwa comes at a time when the country’s human rights situation and rule of law have come under the spotlight following the recent arrest of journalist Hopewell Chin’ono and opposition leader Jacob Ngarivhume, something which has attracted both local and international condemnation.
The two who were denied bail were arrested in connection with anti-government demonstrations which had been planned for July 31st.
South African President and African Union chair, Cyril Ramaphosa, has since appointed Sydney Mufamadi and Baleka Mbete as special envoys to Zimbabwe, as the South African government attempts to intervene in an unfolding humanitarian crisis.
The pair is expected to engage the government and relevant stakeholders to identify possible ways in which South Africa can assist Zimbabwe.
The government however insists there is no crisis in the country.
“Today we are holding our commemorations (National Heroes Day) against the background of renewed glaring, and unjustified attacks by our perennial detractors, both inside and outside our borders,” said Mnangagwa in a televised address.
“Let us however, not lose heart or be discouraged but look back to our rich history and draw lessons from our departed, who since the 1890s, united and showed resilience in their gallant fight against oppressive forces. As the heroes of yesteryear, today we have no alternative; we must as Zimbabweans close ranks by uniting, in peace, harmony and with resolute patriotism and self-love to chart a brighter future for ourselves and for the sake of our motherland.”
Mnangagwa said despite ‘renewed attacks’ his administration’s position was that “a firm foundation had been laid and continues to be strengthened for a thriving constitutional democracy, and a just, open, accountable and prosperous society.”
“With unfaltering determination, and emboldened by the experiences of the unrelenting attacks on our country in the past two decades, we know that the future is bright,” said Mnangagwa.
“Our success is inevitable. The divisive falsehoods and concoctions by renegades and supremacists who want to pounce on our natural resources will never win the day. Truth shall triumph over lies, and good over evil.”
