Fight against sanctions not a political battle, says Zanu-PF chef

Zimbabweans have been urged to rise above political divisions that hinder them from fighting against sanctions, with Masvingo Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Ezra Chadzamira saying the battle is not only for politicians but for everyone to free the nation from the chains of sanctions.

Speaking at the anti-sanctions ceremony held at Masvingo Civic Centre on October 25, 2023, Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Ezra Chadzamira urged all Zimbabweans to unite as one and put aside political differences in the fight against sanctions.

"Fellow Zimbabweans the fight against sanctions is not merely a battle of politics, it is a struggle for the very livelihood of our people. We must rise above the divisions that have hindered our progress and unite as one transcending political affiliations and personal differences. Together we can build a future that is free from the chains of economic oppression," said Chadzamira.

Chadzamira also said that Zimbabwe will not yield to the sanctions and will not abandon its path of using its capabilities for the country's development.

"We are not and will never yield to the sanctions conditioning and strangulating effects. We will never give up on sacred ideals and goals of our protracted armed liberation struggle and will not abandon, the path we have chosen for ourselves as sovereign people to develop modernize and industrialize our great motherland Zimbabwe using own capabilities," said Chadzamira.

Chadzamira expressed his gratitude to African Union and progressive forces for their support and solidarity in fighting against sanctions.

"On behalf of the people and the government of Zimbabwe I express profound gratitude to SADC, the African union and other progressive forces to the support and unwavering solidarity we continue to receive as we struggle against illegal sanctions imposed on us by some western countries.

"This is a day SADC designated yearly to express its opposition to outrage against illegal sanctions against Zimbabwe until they are removed. I stand before you today with a heavy heart burdened by the weight of a nation's struggle, today we unite with SADC region Africa and a progressive world to condemn the long-standing injustice meted out against the people of Zimbabwe by a few western nations acting unilaterally and outside the UN charter," said Chadzamira.

Chadzamira said sanctions hinder the development of the nation affecting every aspect of the society.

"Sanctions have plagued our beloved nation for far too long thus impeding our progress stifling our growth and living our people in a state of despair.

"They have cast a dark shadow over our hopes and aspirations affecting every aspect of our society from our economy to our education, from our healthcare to our infrastructure. Today we stand together resolute in our determination to bring about change.

"We call and reiterate that these illegal sanctions must go. The people and the government of Zimbabwe deserve a chance. Zimbabwe is a nation rich in resources, talent and potential," said Chadzamira.

Speaking at the same event, Secretary for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Dr Addmore Pazvakavambwa said sanctions have cast a dark shadow over the nation of Zimbabwe.

"Sanctions have cast a dark long shadow over our nation impeding our socio-economic progress and affecting the lives of ordinary citizens, the vulnerable women and our children. Today we take decisive steps to make and contribute in making a decisive voice towards the fight against sanctions.

"This gathering represents our unwavering determination to stand up against injustice and advocate for the removal of sanctions that hinder our nation's growth," said Dr Pazvakavambwa.