Ellen Gwaradzimba (centre) with party supporter at Sakubva Stadium
Felix
Matasva
Matasva
MUTARE
–
Buses sent by businessman Esau Mupfumi to ferry people from the high density
suburbs to the so-called anti-sanction gathering at Sakubva Stadium last Friday
ran largely empty as residents ignore the event.
–
Buses sent by businessman Esau Mupfumi to ferry people from the high density
suburbs to the so-called anti-sanction gathering at Sakubva Stadium last Friday
ran largely empty as residents ignore the event.
Only a handful of
people turned out for the local leg of the national event which was presided
over by the Minister of State for Manicaland Provincial Affairs Ellen
Gwaradzimba.
people turned out for the local leg of the national event which was presided
over by the Minister of State for Manicaland Provincial Affairs Ellen
Gwaradzimba.
The train that was
organised to ferry people to Harare for the main event at the National Sports
Stadium reportedly carried very few people some of them only boarding the train
to reach their own destinations.
organised to ferry people to Harare for the main event at the National Sports
Stadium reportedly carried very few people some of them only boarding the train
to reach their own destinations.
Gwaradzimba tried to
save face by claiming that the turnout was not bad although the stadium was
largely empty. The few people who turned up showed greater interest in the
available drinks, bottled water and bread than in the official proceedings.
save face by claiming that the turnout was not bad although the stadium was
largely empty. The few people who turned up showed greater interest in the
available drinks, bottled water and bread than in the official proceedings.
The tents that had been
reserved for VIPs were later occupied by ordinary people as the event turned
out to be a flop.
reserved for VIPs were later occupied by ordinary people as the event turned
out to be a flop.
Gwaradzimba however
acknowledged that many people did not understand the meaning of the anti-sanctions
demonstrations.
acknowledged that many people did not understand the meaning of the anti-sanctions
demonstrations.
“The turnout is
good and not bad for a start because people need more education. I think as time goes on people are going to
realise that this is a special day.
good and not bad for a start because people need more education. I think as time goes on people are going to
realise that this is a special day.
“This is a sizable
group gathered here at Sakubva Stadium. I cannot really complain as I am happy
that in Manicaland, the call for the removal of sanctions has been a success. Some
people say sanctions are targeted which is not true since they are hurting
everyone across the nation. There is need for awareness through various organisations
including church, social gatherings, political leadership and educational
institutions,” Gwaradzimba said.
group gathered here at Sakubva Stadium. I cannot really complain as I am happy
that in Manicaland, the call for the removal of sanctions has been a success. Some
people say sanctions are targeted which is not true since they are hurting
everyone across the nation. There is need for awareness through various organisations
including church, social gatherings, political leadership and educational
institutions,” Gwaradzimba said.
Manicaland Provincial Development Coordinator
(PDC) Administrator Edgars Senza said there were plans to gather in future
until Zimbabwe was free of Western sanctions.
(PDC) Administrator Edgars Senza said there were plans to gather in future
until Zimbabwe was free of Western sanctions.
“It is our intention
that in future, we will continue to gather and speak with one voice until
illegal sanctions against Zimbabwe are removed so that the country can drive
its economic agenda without impediment,” said Senza.
that in future, we will continue to gather and speak with one voice until
illegal sanctions against Zimbabwe are removed so that the country can drive
its economic agenda without impediment,” said Senza.
The proceedings in
Sakubva started late with small kids enjoying music as officials waited in vain
for more people to come.
Sakubva started late with small kids enjoying music as officials waited in vain
for more people to come.
