LIVE: President Mnangagwa inauguration

Mnangagwa says the country has a big task ahead of itself and ends off his speech

The newly sworn in President of Zimbabwe, His Excellency President Emmerson Mnangagwa finishes his inauguration speech amid cheers.

Mnangagwa: The voice of the people is the voice of God

Mnangagwa: I solemnly promise to the best of my ability that I will serve each and every one who calls Zimbabwe home

Mnangagwa thanking all of those present

Mnangagwa: All foreign investments will be safe in Zimbabwe

Mnangagwa: As we build a new democratic Zimbabwe we ask those who have punished us in the past, to reconsider their political and economic sanctions... Let this make way for a new beginning

Mnangagwa: SADC is our home... and we commit ourselves to further its vision and ideals

Mnangagwa: Today the Republic of Zimbabwe enters the second phase of its birth

People must access their savings and earnings as and when they want them - Mnangagwa (Went down very well)

— Mduduzi Mathuthu (@Mathuthu) November 24, 2017

Mnangagwa: My government will ensure financial sector viability and stability

Mnangagwa: The culture of government must change, and must change now

Mnangagwa: Gone, gone are the days of absenteeism

Mnangagwa: To our civil servants, it can't be business as usual. You now need to roll up your sleeves... We have an economy to recover, people to serve.

Mnangagwa: We have transpired to be a clean nation

People must be able to access their savings and their earnings as and when they need to

Mnangagwa says they welcome gainful partnerships with investors

Mnangagwa: Acts of corruption must story. Where these occur, swift, swift, swift justice must be served.

Mnangagwa emphasises the importance of job creation

Mnangagwa says the country belongs to future generations

Mnangagwa: Today however the Republic of Zimbabwe renews itself

Mnangagwa commits that the 2018 elections will be held as scheduled

He says Zimbabwe is a country of peace and Unity and that was shown the last few weeks

Mnangagwa thanks every Zimbabwean and his predecessor for the way the issues were dealt with

Mnangagwa says these issues must be addressed urgently and definitively

Mnangagwa: My government is committed to compensating those farmers from who farms were taken

Mnangagwa urges beneficiaries of land reform to take advantage of programmes to ensure food security and improve the economy

Mnangagwa says the principle of repossessing our land can not be reversed

Whilst I am aware that emotions and expectations are high, fellow countrymen as we chart our way forward we must accept that our challenges in the past emanate from our politics in the past

Mnangagwa says the country is blessed with rich resources

Mnangagwa: We must work together, you, me, all of us that make up this great nation

Mnangagwa appeals to Zimbabweans to declare that "never again" should the country suffer

Mnangagwa: The task at hand is that of rebuilding our great country

Mnangagwa: I humbly appeal to everyone of us to let bygones be bygones

Mnangagwa: For close to two decades this country went through many developments.

Mnangagwa says while the past can't be changed, a lot can do to change the future

Mnangagwa acknowledges and honours other statesmen in attendance today

Mnangagwe says Mugabe remains a father, mentor and comrade in arms

Mnangagwa: Let us all accept and acknowledge his (Mugabe) immense contribution to the building of our nation

Mnangagwa: Let my pay special tribute to one of and the only surviving founding father of our country, comrade Robert Mugabe

Mnangagwa: Even as I make constant reference to my party, Zanu PF, I am not oblivious to the many other Zimbabweans

Mnangagwa: I admit that I hold not particular qualification that sets me apart from any other person to hold this office

Mnangagwa: I feel deeply humbled by the decision of my party, Zanu PF, inviting me to serve the Republic of Zimbabwe in capacity as president and commander in chief effective from today

Mnangagwe now thanking diplomats, wat veterans, representatives of different political parties, of the business community, religious figures, students and all other people

Mnangagwa about to read his speech!

The new president of Zimbabwe, Emmerson Mnangagwa, has been sworn in https://t.co/Kltti6ahPC pic.twitter.com/pTM6WiJhXA

— Sky News (@SkyNews) November 24, 2017

Zimbabwe Republic Police Commissioner General Augustine Chihuri declared allegiance to President Emmerson Mnangagwa. He was followed by Zimbabwe Correctional Services Commissioner General Paradzayi Zimondi, who also declared allegiance on behalf of of correctional services.

Mnangagwa now inspecting the guard of honour

The crowd cheers as the first lady Auxilia Mnangagwa give her husband, the new president, a kiss.

Singing of the national anthem

"EMMERSON MNANGAGWA officially sworn in as the president of Zimbabwe, replacing Robert Mugabe. #MnangagwaInauguration pic.twitter.com/7j3byiM4yr"

— Timothy Mbaya (@TimothyMbaya) November 24, 2017

New first lady Auxillia Mnangagwa congratulates her husband

Crowd erupts in booing as the commissioner general of the police, Augustine Chihuri, pledges his support to Mnangagwa

Generals of the Zimbabwean defence forces making turns to salute and congratulate Mnangagwa

Emmerson Mnangagwa, whose removal as vice president by Robert Mugabe led to the veteran leader's ouster, was sworn in as Zimbabwe's new president on Friday.

"I Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa swear that as the president of the republic of Zimbabwe I will be faithful to Zimbabwe and obey, uphold and defend the constitution and all other laws of Zimbabwe," he said as he took the oath of office before the chief justice, watched by a jubilant crowd of tens of thousands of people. - AFP

Loud cheers from the crowd as Mnangagwa and Malaba sit down to conduct the signing ceremony

Loud cheers from the crowd as Mnangagwa and Malaba sit down to conduct the signing ceremony

I will protect and promote the rights of the people of Zimbabwe

I, Emmerson Mnangagwa, say that as the president of the Republic of Zimbabwe I will... Uphold and defend the constitution of Zimbabwe

Load cheers from the crowd

I, Luke Malaba, chief Justice of the Republic of Zimbabwe do hereby call upon you Emmerson Mnangagwa to take the oath of president.

Chief Justice Luke Malaba to administer the oath of office for incoming president Emmerson Mnangagwa.

Emmerson Mnangagwa now taking the oath of office

A handful of regional heads of state are attending the inauguration of Zimbabwe's new leader, Emmerson Mnangagwa.

They include the leaders of Botswana, Mozambique and Zambia.

The president of regional powerhouse South Africa is not there because President Jacob Zuma is hosting Angola's new leader for talks.

Mnangagwa has arrived to cheers from the crowd of tens of thousands and is expected to be sworn in shortly.

Emmerson Mnangagwa may have survived the poison that nearly took his life this year, but will he survive the poisonous legacy Robert Mugabe has left him, asks Crecey Kuyedzwa.

Emmerson Mnangagwa and his wife Auxillia, right, at the presidential inauguration ceremony in the capital Harare, Zimbabwe.

Tens of thousands of Zimbabweans are awaiting the swearing-in of new leader Emmerson Mnangagwa, who has arrived at the stadium.

Opposition leaders and diplomats are in attendance as the country prepares to hear the first address of Mnangagwa, who replaced Robert Mugabe after his 37 years in power.

Mnangagwa is just the second president for Zimbabwe since its independence from white minority rule in 1980.

The 93-year-old Mugabe will remain in Zimbabwe, reportedly assured by his former deputy Mnangagwa of his "maximum security."
AP

Zambian President Edgar Lungu has arrived just after the arrival of former president Kenneth Kaunda

Mozambican President Filipe Nyusi has also arrived.

Finance Minister Ignatius Chombo taken to hospital with sugar diabetes and high Blood Pressure. #Zimbabwe

— Mxolisi Ncube (@NcubeMxolisi) November 24, 2017

BBC reports that Robert Mugabe's finance minister Ignatius Chombo has been admitted to hospital after beatings he received in military custody.

His lawyer Lovemore Madhuku reportedly said that Chombo has injuries to his hands, legs and back and was blindfolded throughout his week in custody.

Chombo was accused of corruption and abuse of power relating to his time as local government minister more than a decade ago, Madhuku was quoted as saying.

Chombo was detained when the military took over last week in events that eventually led to Mr Mugabe resigning as president.

Traditional leaders in Matabeleland South province pledge support for Zimbabwe's incoming President Mnangagwa - 23 Nov 2014 #ZBCnews

Chairperson of the Matabeleland South Chiefs Council, Chief Vezi Maduna

Zimbabwe Army Generals including Chiwenga at the inauguration of Zimbabwe's incoming President Mnangagwa

#Mnangagwa inauguration - Long queue outside the national sports stadium #MnangagwaInauguration #Zimbabwe #Mnangagwa #ZimTransition pic.twitter.com/WDAqzN1gD6

— Povo Zim (@povozim) November 24, 2017

Former Zimbabwean Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai says interim president Emmerson Mnangagwa must not resemble the character of former president Robert Mugabe if he hopes to earn the respect of Zimbabweans. https://t.co/GHQdUUuBaA pic.twitter.com/Hd2OBcRT70

— Reggie Clark (@gashidoshifushi) November 24, 2017

Part of the crowd gathered at the National Sports Stadium in Harare to witness the swearing in of Emmerson Mnangagwa as the country's new president.

Mnangagwa's links to the military and ruling party go back decades. He joined the fight against white minority rule in what was then Rhodesia while still a teen in the 1960s.

In 1963, he received military training in Egypt and China.

As one of the earliest guerrilla fighters he was captured, tortured and convicted of blowing up a locomotive in 1965.

Sentenced to death by hanging, he was found to be under 21 and his punishment was commuted to 10 years in prison.

He was jailed with other prominent nationalists including Mugabe. While imprisoned, Mnangagwa studied through correspondence courses.

After his release in 1975 he went to Zambia, where he completed a law degree and started practicing.

Soon he went to newly independent Marxist Mozambique, where he became Mugabe's assistant and bodyguard.

In 1979, he accompanied Mugabe to the talks in London that led to the birth of Zimbabwe.

"Our relationship has over the years blossomed beyond that of master and servant to father and son," Mnangagwa wrote this month of his relationship with Mugabe. - Associated Press

Mnangagwa served for decades as Mugabe's enforcer and among Zimbabwe's population, he is more feared than popular.

He now urges the country to come together, to "bury our differences and rebuild a new and prosperous Zimbabwe, a country that is tolerant to divergent views."

For weeks before the political turmoil erupted, Mnangagwa had been publicly demonized by Mugabe and his wife, Grace, who was seeking to succeed her 93-year-old husband in power. That gave Mnangagwa time to prepare his strategy.

Within days of his firing, his supporters in the military put Mugabe and his wife under house arrest. When Mugabe refused to resign, a massive demonstration backed by the military brought tens of thousands of people into the streets of the capital, Harare.

It was not a spontaneous uprising. Thousands of professionally produced posters praising Mnangagwa and the military had been printed ahead of time.
Associated Press

The ruling party has proven it protects its own. It assured Mugabe he would not be prosecuted if he stepped down.

Zanu-PF chief whip Lovemore Matuke told The Associated Press: "He is safe, his family is safe and his status as a hero of his country is assured."

On Thursday, the opposition MDC-T party said it had not been invited to Mnangagwa's inauguration on Friday morning at a 60,000-seat stadium.

That's after the MDC joined the efforts to remove Mugabe, seconding the motion in Parliament to impeach him.

Zimbabwe's incoming leader Emmerson Mnangagwa, widely known as the Crocodile, is seen as a smart, ruthless politician, and many question if he will be able to bring the change the country craves.

"We are witnessing the beginning of a new, unfolding democracy," the 75-year-old announced Wednesday upon his return to the country, two weeks after his firing by longtime mentor Robert Mugabe led to the president's downfall.

Despite the message of inclusion, Zimbabweans noted that Mnangagwa made his first public remarks outside ruling Zanu-PF party headquarters and, switching to the local Shona language, praised the party.

They ask whether Mnangagwa will be adequately independent from Zanu-PF to revive the battered economy and restore democracy with the backing of the opposition and others.

Big crowds for swearing in of new President ED Mnangagwa #harare #zimbabwe pic.twitter.com/roOJqZTuhY

— Sally Sara (@sallyjsara) November 24, 2017

#Mnangagwa arrives to be sworn in as #Zimbabwe's new president after #Mugabe's fall. Look at that tail! And you thought the cartoonists were going to miss Bob.@iGaddo pic.twitter.com/5k95tWEiuI

— Charles Onyango-Obbo (@cobbo3) November 24, 2017

David Coltart former Zimbabwean cabinet minister: If we look at his [Mnangagwa's] history… we can see that he was Robert Mugabe's point man and that's why we don't have the champagne out.

We place a tiny bit of hope in him We wait to see whether he will be a [FW] De Klerk or [Idi] Amin - Power 98.7

David Coltart former Zimbabwean cabinet minister: There's a lot of expectation. Words are easy, actions are far more difficult.

There are mixed messages and there's an element in ZANU-PF trying to encourage Emmerson Mnangagwa to go it alone and not include the opposition - Power 98.7

#Zimbabwe update: Ahead of #Mnangagwa's inauguration 24 November on the back of military takeover - army violence targeting the families of @ProfJNMoyo and @Hon_Kasukuwere goes unnoticed. Moyo's Kenyan wife @ children now in hiding pic.twitter.com/Fl3aKK0hOb

— Dewa Mavhinga (@dewamavhinga) November 23, 2017

Breaking: #Zimbabwe military violence - report to @hrw: soldiers armed with semi-automatic weapons today for the second time since military takeover attacked & ransacked @ProfJNMoyo house. Wife (Kenyan) & children traumatized. pic.twitter.com/nkvGrKDNgm

— Dewa Mavhinga (@dewamavhinga) November 23, 2017

#Breaking: #Zimbabwe update - soldiers tonight dropped off Minister Chombo at his house after days of military detention. Law & Order police then arrested him & said they are taking him to Rhodesville police station. @hrw @ZLHRLawyers @ProfJNMoyo @euinzim

— Dewa Mavhinga (@dewamavhinga) November 23, 2017

Zimbabweans have begun arriving national sports stadium for the inauguration of Emmerson Mnangagwa - Power 98.7

David Coltart former Zimbabwean cabinet minister: I hope that Emmerson Mnangagwa will change course; take the nation in a new direction - Power 98.7

Professor Jonathon Moyo is not in Zimbabwe and action against his family could be seen as an attack on opposition G40 faction - Power 98.7

Tone of Emmerson Mnangagwa is expected to be one of reconciliation - Power 98.7

The opposition parties received the invitation to the inauguration of Emmerson Mnangagwa late on Thursday night - Power 98.7

All roads lead to the national sports stadium where we expect the new leader Emmerson Mnangagwa to be sworn in at about 10:00 - Power 98.7

Stadium already filling up for historic inauguration of #Mnangagwa today - only second leader of #Zimbabwe in 37 years. follow it live with me on @BBCNewsChannel pic.twitter.com/kOj3HP33ee

— Ben Brown (@BenBrownBBC) November 24, 2017

Stadium already filling up for historic inauguration of #Mnangagwa today - only second leader of #Zimbabwe in 37 years. follow it live with me on @BBCNewsChannel pic.twitter.com/kOj3HP33ee

— Ben Brown (@BenBrownBBC) November 24, 2017

SADC statement on former president Robert Mugabe
"He will be remembered by SADC as an exemplary freedom fighter in the liberation struggle for Zimbabwe's independence and as one of the Founding Fathers of our cherished SADC. As a liberation icon, President Mugabe offered a message of hope and unity to millions of his compatriots when he became the first black Prime Minister of the newly independent Zimbabwe on 18 April 1980."

Press statement by #SADC executive secretary, Stergomena Lawrence after #MugabeResigns - 24 Nov 2017 #Mugabe #MnangagwaReturns #Zimbabwe pic.twitter.com/XDYudp4my5

— Povo Zim (@povozim) November 24, 2017

Hero worship continues?

Personality cults, centralization of power & state media propaganda have no place in the new Zimbabwe.

Ebenezer (Hebrew word meaning the Rock or stone of help)

Is Mnangagwa the stone of help for Zimbabwe?#Zimbabwe #Mnangagwa #MugabeResigns pic.twitter.com/tSsnGMb4sD

— Povo Zim (@povozim) November 24, 2017

Robert Mugabe was granted immunity from prosecution and assured that his safety will be protected in his home country under a deal that led to his resignation, sources close to the negotiations said on Thursday.

A government source said Mugabe, who is 93 and was the world's oldest serving head of state, told negotiators he wanted to die in Zimbabwe and had no plans to live in exile.

"It was very emotional for him and he was forceful about it," said the source, who is not authorised to speak on the details of the negotiated settlement. - Reuters

Zimbabwean military parade during a dress rehearsal ahead of the presidential inauguration of Emmerson Mnangagwa, at the National Sports Stadium in Harare.

Zimbabwe is making preparations to swear in a new leader after 37 years. (Ben Curtis, AP)

Dear #Mnangagwa - Please Remember the Words Of Your Commander Tongogara on this very Day! Don’t miss this opportunity #Zimbabwe pic.twitter.com/Q0hYcZOsPw

— African (@ali_naka) November 23, 2017

Let us not compare Mnangagwa with Mugabe, Mugabe was a good orator, who'd do only that. Eloquent speeches do not result in policy implementation.
Mnangagwa is not about good English, but EFFECTIVE IMPLEMENTATION

— Hon. Temba P. Mliswa (@TembaMliswa) November 23, 2017

PROGRAMME FOR THE INAUGURATION OF THE PRESIDENT- ELECT OF THE REPUBLIC OF ZIMBABWE CDE EMMERSON DAMBUDZO MNANGAGWA:

NATIONAL SPORTS STADIUM:

FRIDAY 24 NOVEMBER

20170630 hrs - Gates open

ENTERTAINMENT

0730 hrs-Public take seats

DIGNITARIES ARRIVE IN THE FOLLOWING ORDER

0920 hrs-His Worship the Mayor of the City of Harare

0925 hrs-Commander Defence Forces and Service Chiefs

0930 hrs-Members of the House of Assembly-Members of the Central Committee and Politburo-Diplomatic Corps

0935 hrs-Judges of the High Court/the Judge president/the Judges of the Supreme court/Prosecutor-General/Attorney-General/Honourable Ministers

0940hrs-Speaker of the National Assembly/president of the Senate

0950 hrs-Chief Justice and spouse

1000 hrs-Visiting Former Heads of State and Government

1015 hrs-Visiting Heads of State and Government

ENTERTAINMENT

1030 hrs -The incoming President of the Republic of Zimbabwe Cde Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa and Mai Auxillia MnangagwaNATIONAL ANTHEM

1115hrs - Master of ceremonies and Speaker of the National Assembly of the Republic of Zimbabwe Cde Jacob Mudenda invites the minister of Religion Right Reverend Bishop Mutendi for opening prayer

1135 hrs - MASTER OF CEREMONIES calls the Chief Justice, Honourable Justice Luke Malaba to administer the OATH OF OFFICE-CHIEF JUSTICE,

HONOURABLE JUSTICE LUKE MALABA ADMINISTERS THE OATH OF OFFICE

-SIGNING CEREMONY-ARDONING OF SASH-Commander Defence Forces and Service Chiefs pay compliments to the Commander-in-Chief of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces His Excellency Cde Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa

-Master of Ceremonies calls for pledge of allegiance-PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE BY COMMANDER DEFENCES FORCES ANDSERVICE CHIEFSBeing :

-(i) Commander of the Defence Forces

(ii) Commissioner General of Zimbabwe Republic Police

(iii) Commissioner General of Prisons and Correctional Service1200 hrs -NATIONAL ANTHEM AND FLY PAST-21 GUN SALUTE

-FanfareParade Commander invites the President to inspect Guard of Honour accompanied by Commander Defence Forces only.

The first Lady and the First Family congratulate the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe His Excellency Cde ED Mnangagwa.

His Excellency the President is led to his seat.

ENTERTAINMENT.

Master of ceremony calls upon His Excellency President ED Mnangagwa to deliver inauguration address.

1210 hrs -His Excellency the President Cde ED Mnangagwa delivers His address.

1235 hrs -Guard of Honour marches past and off-His Excellence the President returns to dais.

1240 hrs -Master of ceremony calls upon Zanu-PF representative to deliver congratulatory message and vote of thanks.

1250 hrs - Entertainment

1300 hrs -Congratulations

Handshaking only by the following:·

. Father Fidelis Mukonori·

. Zimbabwe African National Union Patriotic Front (ZANU-PF) Representative.

· Visiting Heads of State and Government

· Visiting Former Heads of State and Government

· Chief Justice Honourable Like Malaba leads justice

· Presiding Officers of Parliament.

· Ministers of Government· Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet· Chairman of the Public Service Commission

· Acting Director General of CIO· President of the Chief’s Council leads Traditional Leaders· Dean of Diplomatic Corps, HE Mr Mawampanga Mwana Nanga

· Governor of the Reserve Bank, Dr J Mangudya· Chairman of Zimbabwe University Vice Chancellor Organisation (ZUVCO)

. Professor E Mwenje· Honourable Minister of War Veterans with the Representatives of Veterans of the Liberation Struggle

· Representative of People Living with Disability

· Movement for Democratic Change (MDC-T) Representative

· Movement for Democratic ChangeRepresentative of Socio-Economic Groups· Zimbabwe Bankers Association

· Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce· Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries

· National Economic Consultative Forum

· Zimbabwe Federation of Trade Unions· President of Zimbabwe Farmers Union· President of the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions

· President of the Indigenous Commercial Farmers Union· Chairman of the Cross Border Association· President of the Apex Council

· Representative of the Zimbabwe Nurses Council

· Zimbabwe Tourism Council

EMCOZRepresentatives of religious groups· Christian community· Jewish community· Islamic Conference of Zimbabwe

· Hindu

Traditional

· Greek Orthodox

-ENTERTAINMENT

1340hrs - End of the Inauguration Ceremony

DIGNITARIES DEPART IN THE FOLLOWING ORDER

· His Excellency the President Cde Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa and the First Lady Mai Auxilia Mnangagwa

· Visiting Heads of State and Government

· Visiting former Heads of State and Government

· Chief Justice and spouse· President of the Senate/Speaker of the National Assembly· Members of the Central Committee and Politburo

· Hon Ministers/Prosecutor–General/Attorney General/Judges of the Supreme Court/The Judge president/Judges of the High Court

· Members of the Diplomatic Corps

· Honourable Members of the Parliament· Service Chiefs

· His worship Mayor of the City of HarareDEPARTMENT OF PROTOCOL AND STATE OCCASIONS-Master of ceremony; Hon J F Mudenda assisted by Hon S K Moyo and Mr A Mfiri

09:25 - Several regional leaders are expected to grace the event, and Zambian President, Edgar Lungu has just arrived.

09:14 - It is a big day, a contingent of foreign journalists are at the venue to tell the world the Zimbabwean story

09:09 - Expectations already high on Mnangagwa

People from across the political divide have pledged support for Zimbabwe`s incoming president Emmerson Mnangagwa. Matabeleland North province has pledged its support for Mnangagwa when he takes over as the head of state and government this Friday.

High expectations from all Zimbabweans await Mnangagwa as he takes over as head of state and government with people expressing optimism that he will turn around the economic fortunes of the country.

However, for his policies to succeed it is the duty of every Zimbabwean to participate in nation building by supporting the new leadership.

The incoming head of state is expected to enjoy support in the agriculture sector, following his exceptional performance in command agriculture which saw the country harvesting excess maize from the previous farming season.

Religious leaders

The religious community has called for all Zimbabweans across the religious and political divide to bury the seed of enmity and sow a sense of re-building the nation in the new political dispensation.

Zimbabwe has fostered a culture of tolerance within communities where people from diverse cultures and affiliations can work together regardless of political tribal and religious differences.

Business leaders

There is optimism in the mining town of Zvishavane that the incoming president will give support to revive the defunct Shabanie Mine and support business in a way that will change lives in the community, says Midlands chapter ZNCC executive member Mr Tamson Mthombeni who is also a representative of Makanaka Holdings.

Miners

On the other hand, Chamber of Mines president Mr Batirai Manhando says they are expecting deepening engagement with the new government for the transformation of the country's economy.

09:07 - For those unable to join the events at the National Sports Stadium, ZBC is broadcasting the event live

09:04 - The giant National Sports Stadium is already full to capacity as Zimbabweans are ready to witness the new dawn.

08:54 - Ahead of his inauguration at the National Sports Stadium, Mnangagwa yesterday met the Zanu PF Politburo and also had words of counsel to Zimbabweans.

The President elect Emmerson Mnangagwa met with the politburo last night.

This is Mnangagwa's first interaction with the Zanu PF senior members following his dismissal by the then President Robert Mugabe.

Earlier on, Mnangagwa addressed thousands of Zanu PF supporters at the party headquarters in Harare where he promised to revive the economy and engage the international community in rebuilding the economy.

Meanwhile, the inauguration of Mnangagwa will be held this Friday.

President Designate Emmerson Mnangagwa has implored Zimbabweans to remain patient and avoid any form of revenge against each other.
"While all this is going on, I implore all Zimbabweans to remain patient and peaceful and desist from any form of vengeful retribution," said Mnangagwa.

In statement to ZBC News, Mnangagwa said vengefulness is not in the spirit of Ubuntu/Unhu which characterises the nature of our people.

"As you are aware, in the last few months leading to this day, the political situation in our country has been quite fluid culminating in the resignation of our former Head of State, His Excellency President Robert Gabriel Mugabe. We are currently working on transitional arrangements which will lead to the dispensation which is to unfold tomorrow," said Mnangagwa.

The President Designate has urged all Zimbabweans to be exemplary as they work towards the consolidation of unity and prosperity of the nation.

"Let us not therefore allow criminal elements bent on destabilising the peace and tranquility prevailing in our country, by either settling political or social scores outside the ambit of the law," said Mnangagwa.

In this vein, Mnangagwa implored the citizens of the country to refrain from malicious practices and report any such incidences to the law enforcement agencies for their appropriate legal action.

Mnangagwa also appealed to fellow Zimbabweans to remain disciplined and optimistic whilst processes to drive the nation towards prosperity and development for the benefit of all, are being put in place.

08:29 - Mnangagwa returned home on Wednesday and pledged to grow the Zimbabwean economy:

The Zimbabwe President designate, Emmerson Mnangagwa has pledged to be a servant of the people and called for all progressive Zimbabweans to unite in growing the economy.

Mnangagwa, who arrived in Harare today from South Africa, told thousands of Zimbabweans gathered at the ruling party's headquarters to welcome him, that he is ready to lead the country into a new dispensation.

"I pledge myself to be your servant. I appeal to all progressive Zimbabweans to come together so that we grow our economy, we want peace, we want jobs jobs jobs, we need the cooperation of our neighbours in SADC, Africa and the world over. I am already receiving several calls from people and nations willing to help us grow our nation," said the incoming President, who will be sworn in on Friday.

Mnangagwa thanked the people of Zimbabwe for expressing their desire for former president Robert Mugabe to step down and for their prayers when he survived poisoning on 12 August.

He said he decided to leave the country after receiving death threats two hours after he was fired as Vice President of the country.

"Within two hours after receiving a letter firing me from government, I received news that they wanted to eliminate me. That is why I had to leave and while away, you the people of Zimbabwe spoke. On 12 August, I was subjected to poisoning, I thank you for your prayers that I survived," said Mnangagwa.

"Nhema dzakataugwa dzakawanda kuti topwanya zimsoro iro, zvino musoro wapwanywa ndewani?" asked Mnangagwa rhetorically in reference to the former First Lady, Dr Grace Mugabe's remarks during the purported ‘Super Sunday' rally with members of indigenous churches that it was time ‘to crush the head of the snake,' the purported Lacoste faction in Zanu PF.

Mnangagwa added that it was unfortunate that the G40 cabal had captured the executive in the form of ex-President Mugabe, but now that the people had spoken, it was time for the founding father of Zimbabwe to comply with his promise that he will step down whenever the people of Zimbabwe wish him to do so.

The President designate also thanked Zimbabweans for being peaceful, saying SADC leaders are all proud of the discipline and peacefulness of the people of Zimbabwe. He also thanked the Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF) led by General Constantino Chiwenga for managing this transitional process peacefully. Mnangagwa also expressed gratitude to his colleagues in the Zanu PF Politburo and Central Committee as well as the Speaker of Parliament, Advocate Jacob Mudenda for the way they stood behind him and handled the process.

08:13 - It is another historic day for Zimbabweans, who will witness the swearing in of the President Designate, Emmerson Mnangagwa.

He will takeover from Zimbabwe's founding father, Robert Mugabe, who has ruled the Southern African country for 37 years.