Mtukudzi to entertain million-man marchers

With two days to go before commemorations of the 53rd Africa Day celebrations, preparations for the One Million-Man March which will run concurrently with the Africa Day celebrations are at an advanced stage with service providers installing tents and other facilities and sprucing up the Robert Mugabe Square in Harare, the venue for grand occasion.  

Accreditation of delegates has also begun at the Zanu-PF headquarters in Harare.

The organising committee visited the venue to inspect progress made so far ahead of the bid day on Wednesday.

Zanu-PF Deputy Secretary for Youth Affairs, Kudzai Chipanga told the ZBC News at the venue that all is on course to ensure that the march in solidarity with the principled leadership of the African icon, President Mugabe is a success.

"As you can see, the installation of the tents, ablution facilities and provision of other services for the occasion are on course and are expected to be complete by tomorrow," said Chipanga.  

Zanu-PF National Youth League Secretary for Security, Tungamirai Mutonhodza said accreditation is being done on VIP delegates only.

The Zanu-PF Women's League executive led by Secretary for Administration, Letina Undenge, business, education and tourism sectors pledged their support to ensure the event becomes a success.  

On top of buses and trucks, a train has been availed to ferry youths from Bulawayo, Gweru, Kwekwe, Kadoma and other towns, along the Harare route while 441 buses will ferry selected primary and secondary school pupils around the country.

Music superstar, Oliver Mutukudzi, Douglas Chimbetu and various other sungura and dancehall artists are billed to provide entertainment on the day.

Every province is expected to mobilise 100 000 youths who will assembly at various designated places in Harare before they march to congregate at the Robert Mugabe Square where they will be addressed by the President.

Meanwhile, observers and commentators say the march, which is going to be held on Africa Day, is a demonstration of the appreciation that Zimbabwean people have for the role that President Mugabe has played in the political , social and economic emancipation of his people and the African continent.

Political analysts, Dr Tafataona Mahoso and Elton Ziki said President Mugabe stands for a Pan Africanist thinking that aspires for people's freedom and total sovereignty that should be nurtured for all generations and not just for his lifetime.

On Africa Day, Angolan Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Mr Hendrik Vaal Neto explained that Africa has achieved political freedom under the leadership of such patriots as President Mugabe, but added that the continent needs to concentrate on reconciliation, political stability and uplifting the standards of life of the people.

He commended regional groupings such as SADC and others for trying to attain and spear head economic freedom and implored the continent to strive to solve their own conflicts using african solutions. he said external interference should not be tolerated.

DRC Ambassador and Dean of the Diplomatic Corps in Zimbabwe, Mr Mwanananga Mawampanga said Africa is now united and is moving towards economic freedom in unison.

"From the time that President Mugabe assumed the leadership of the African Union (AU), there have not been any dissenting voices with all countries working closely for economic development," he said.

This year's Africa Day commemorations will be held by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in conjunction with African diplomats on Wednesday at the Rainbow Towers, opposite the Robert Mugabe Square in Harare.

Foreign Affairs Minister, Simbarashe Mumbengegwi will be the guest of honour and will deliver the key note address at the commemoration.