‘SADC region’s independence was paid for through sweat,tears and blood’- Mnangagwa
By Staff Writer
PRESIDENT Emmerson Mnangagwa has implored fellow SADC leaders to guard jealously the region’s independence which came through sweat and bloodshed.
He made the remarks in his acceptance speech for the bloc’s leadership during the 44th Ordinary Session of the SADC Heads of State Summit.
The event proceeded smoothly despite criticism of the bloc’s silence on incarcerated rights activists whose plans to stage demonstrations against the chairmanship conferment were scuttled by the crackdown initiated in the lead up to the event.
The United Nations and other global institutions have since condemned the arbitrary arrests.
Contrary to expectations by critics that the Heads of State were going to demand the release of the activists before the Summit’s kick off, the event progressed smoothly with Mnangagwa reminding the bloc to guard the fruits of independence jealously.
“The democracy, independence and freedom being enjoyed by the peoples’ of the region were paid for through the sweat, tears and blood of yester-year heroes and heroines as well as sons and daughters of SADC.
“We have a sacred duty to honour them all by jealously guarding and defending our sovereignty and right to economic self-determination. We are a proud Southern African people with a rich history and a brighter future,” he said.
He said the bloc must never sacrifice “our unity, solidarity or African culture for political or economic expediency.Ultimately, the burden and responsibility to build our countries and the region as a whole,for sustainable prosperity, lies with us, the great peoples’ of SADC.”
Mnangagwa said in Zimbabwe the development philosophy is that “a Country is built, governed and prayed for by its people”.
” ‘Nyika inovakwa, inotongwa, inonamatigwa nevene vayo/ilizwe lakhiwa, ibuswe,likhulekelwe ngabanikazi balo’. Likewise,our region SADC will be modernised and industrialised by its own citizens, through our individual and collective efforts. Those who seek to help us are welcome, however, they must do so, on our terms, guided by our priorities and respecting our sovereignty.
“I, therefore, challenge my fellow citizens of the region to remain unapologetic and confident in who we are, as a people and in our God given,” added Mnangagwa”
