'ED2030 Agenda unstoppable,' says Garwe

Minister of Local Government and Public Works Daniel Garwe has intensified his calls for unwavering support of President Emmerson Mnangagwa's Vision 2030 agenda, urging civil servants across the country to align themselves with the ruling party's goals. Garwe's recent remarks, made during the launch of the Government Commonage Stands project at Masvingo Polytechnic on January 30, have been widely interpreted as an ambitious bid to secure the influential Zanu-PF National Commissar post.

Addressing civil servants, Garwe declared that Vision 2030 - Mnangagwa's blueprint for achieving an upper-middle-income economy - was unstoppable, emphasizing that aligning with the agenda was not a choice but a national obligation.

"I know we have Teachers ForED, Nurses ForED, and other such outfits, but it's now time for every civil servant to rise and endorse the President's agenda openly," Garwe said. "Vision 2030 is a reality, and it's better for everyone to join the bandwagon because President Mnangagwa was anointed by God to lead this nation."

Mocking critics of the Vision 2030 agenda, Garwe warned that opposing the initiative would lead to hypertension, joking that the government would not hire more healthcare workers to manage stress-related ailments among dissenters.

Garwe likened Mnangagwa to the biblical Moses, claiming he was divinely chosen to lead Zimbabwe's transformation using its natural resources. He credited the President for uncovering previously "unknown" mineral wealth, such as lithium, platinum, gas, and oil, and for steering the country through the El Niño-induced drought of 2024 without food shortages.

"In 1992, during another drought, people went to South Africa, Namibia, and Botswana to buy mealie meal, but under Mnangagwa's leadership, not a single shop lacked basic commodities. This is the difference between his leadership and that of former President Robert Mugabe," Garwe said.

Garwe also praised U.S. President Donald Trump's decision to ban aid to Africa, describing it as an opportunity for Zimbabwe to become self-reliant. He encouraged Zimbabweans in the diaspora to return home to contribute to the Vision 2030 agenda.

"I am very happy with Trump's actions. It's time we develop our own country without being used as tools against our nation through foreign aid or funding," Garwe remarked.

Garwe's relentless endorsement of Mnangagwa has sparked speculation within Zanu-PF circles that he may be eyeing the powerful National Commissar role. Party insiders have noted his frequent praise for Mnangagwa's leadership and his vocal support for amending the Constitution to extend the President's term in office.

In response to recent opposition from some war veterans regarding the proposed term extension, Garwe dismissed critics, labeling them as drunkards manipulated by opposition forces. He singled out war veteran Blessing Geza, deriding him as "Cursed Geza," to loud applause from Zanu-PF supporters.

While Garwe's remarks have drawn support from Mnangagwa loyalists, they have also exposed simmering tensions within Zanu-PF, as factions continue to vie for influence in the post-Mugabe era.