President Emmerson Mnangagwa has called upon those elected at the local government levels to wholeheartedly serve the people of Zimbabwe.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony for his second term held at the National Sports Stadium today, President Mnangagwa said priority should be given to urban areas when it comes to development.
“Our citizens, especially those in urban areas, have endured poor service delivery for far too long under the opposition.
“Rate payers deserve hardworking and competent local authorities who will ensure that our towns and cities regain their long-lost pride through world-class service delivery,” he said.
He also called upon the media fraternity to promote and protect Zimbabwean values.
“Going into the future, those in the arts, sports, and creative cultural industries will be supported to express their talents.
“African culture, as well as our Christian-oriented family traditions and norms, never used the arts or media to promote self-hate and divisions in our nation.
“Meanwhile, I express my profound gratitude to our traditional leaders, who are the custodians of our land and culture, together with the religious community who joined the crusade to preach peace, love, and harmony in our nation. The institution of traditional leadership and the freedom of worship will continue to be protected by my new government,” he said.
He added that, “In this regard, I challenge us all to remain Zimbabwean and remain African in both thoughts and deeds. Zimbabwe is a sovereign state and a friend to all and an enemy to none.
“Our membership and engagement with SADC, the African Union and the United Nations, and other countries in the comity of nations remain guided by the principles of mutual respect
and the sovereign equality of nations as enshrined in the United Nations Charter. The undermining of our national institutions and the laws will not be condoned under whatever guise,” said President Mnangagwa.
The ceremony was attended by regional and international leaders who include President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa, Felipe Nyusi of Mozambique and Felix Tshisekedi of DRC. Locally former Vice Presidents Joice Mujuru and Phelekezela Mphoko also attended as did former First Lady Grace Mugabe and her daughter Bona Mugabe.
