Zim Anti-Sanctions commemorations Day set for October 25   

By Staff Writer

ZIMBABWE is set to host the 2023 Anti-Sanctions Day commemorations on October 25, the Defence Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri revealed this week.

The commemorations are held annually to raise awareness of the negative impact of the sanctions and to call for their removal and the day is used an  an opportunity to celebrate the resilience and determination of the Zimbabwean people in the face of adversity.

“The nation is being informed that the SADC Anti-Sanctions Day will be held on 25 October 2023 under the theme “Harnessing the Youth for Accelerated Socio-Economic Development in the Fight Against Sanctions”. The theme recognizes the youth’s resilience, courage, fortitude and unflinching determination in the face of illegal sanctions.

“The youth have heeded His Excellency the President’s clarion call that “Nyika inovakwa nevene vayo,ilizwe lakhiwa ngabanikhazi balo” and are playing a significant role in the development of the country,” she said.

President Emmerson Mnangagwa is set to deliver a televised keynote address to mark the Anti-Sanctions Day. The address will be distributed on all social media platforms, targeting the youth to enhance awareness of the negative impact of sanctions.

There will also be short and brief anti-sanctions marches within school premises and around work-stations for Government workers. An Anti-Sanctions Musical Show will also be held.

However, the US and other Western allies have since rubbished the gesture instead arguing that trade between Zimbabwe has remained open over the years on the back of lucrative humanitarian assistance being extended towards the latter.   

Official records also shows that U.S. goods exports to Zimbabwe in 2022 were $41 million, down 9.7 percent ($4 million) from 2021 and down 24% percent from 2012.

U.S. goods imports from Zimbabwe totaled $87 million in 2022, up 102.2 percent ($44 million) from 2021, and up 65 percent from 2012.