Cynthia Chichewo,
United African National Congress (UANC) president Gwinyai Muzorewa said the opposition political parties in Zimbabwe are not enemies of the state, but rather best critics of government who offer constructive criticism on projects and programs where the government is failing.
Speaking during a Press Briefing at a local hotel in Harare this week, Muzoerwa said the opposition parties collectively request special time to meet with Heads of State who are willing to listen to Zimbabwe’s aspiring national leadership candidates during the SADC Heads of State Summit scheduled for this weekend.
“We hope the in-coming SADC Chairperson, President Emmerson Mnangagwa will facilitate this since he is the host to the event,” Muzorewa said.
“If granted the opportunity to meet other African Heads of States, the purpose of the meeting is for Zimbabwe’s future government to acquaint itself with the core values and objectives of SADC, created in 1980 by our Fathers. We believe that holding SADC Summits in rotation is an important tradition worth respecting, preserving and passing on to our posterity,” Muzowera added.
According to Muzorewa, opposition leaders will not allow SADC to be reduced to a mere organization that promotes individual political innuendoes at the expense of tangible national issues like economic development, poverty eradication, adequate housing, the preservation of human rights, climate change, affordable health care and education systems.
“We do not believe that SADC’s mandate is to dictate policies to member nations. SADC’s mission is to promote sustainable and equitable economic growth and economic development through efficient productive systems, deeper co-operation, good governance and durable peace and peace,” Muzorewa said.
In his speech, Muzorewa said opposition political parties that are serious about bringing change must utilize the presence of SADC to seek wisdom instead of displaying immaturity acts of demagoguery.
“Visionary and progressive opposition leaders will seek dialogue with visiting Heads of Government, rather than seek opportunities to divide our nation, undermining government by seeking favors from foreign nations,” added Bishop Muzorewa.
