Mnangagwa becomes first president to visit Binga in 30 years, pleads for forgiveness
By Staff Writer
PRESIDENT Emmerson Mnangagwa’s visit to the outlying community of Binga over the weekend broke a four decades history, making him the first head of state since independence to set foot in the area.
Located in Matabeleland North just South of Lake Kariba, the area has suffered the crisis of identity ,of being too close to Zambia yet located in Zimbabwe.
There are twenty-one wards in the district, which is divided into two parliamentary constituencies: Binga North Constituency with twelve wards and South Binga Constituency with nine wards. The separate constituencies were created in 2008.
“I am a happy to come here today after you invited me to meet with you the people of Siabuwa. Zimbabwe got independent in 1980 and for many years we didn’t come here.
“From today we have agreed with my team that we will regularly come here. Two weeks ago, I sent my deputy, Cde Kembo Mohadi to come and speak to chiefs. We want to address all your concerns and we sit down with you and see to it that we fix all your problems,” he said.
The president promised to sustain visits to the area going forward in order to cement the re-engagement initiative.
He said two weeks ago, he sent his deputy, Cde Kembo Mohadi, to speak to chiefs.
The head of state committed to address all concerns and to sit down with the community and see to it how the problems will be fixed.
“I am happy to come here today after you invited me to meet with you people of Siabuwa,” said Mnangagwa.
“I want you to forgive us and from today things have changed. I want to say the truth that for the past 20 years, Binga, you were not voting for Zanu-pf. It’s not your fault but Zanu-pf’s fault.
“Henceforth, all of us as we walk through this journey, I want us to unite and move together. In this development agenda, let’s all contribute to our development,” he added.
