HARARE - THE powerful Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries (CZI), Bishops, and the Zimbabwe Commercial Farmers Union (ZCFU) have joined President Robert MugabePresident Mugabe, leader of the former ruling party, Zanu PF, reiterated that “sanctions must go now” while addressing more than 3 000 mainly intoxicated Zanu PF members in Harare .
CZI President, Joseph Kanyekanye, Bishop Trevor Manhanga and Josiah Hungwe, addressed the rowdy youths telling them that they supported the President in his vicious campaign.
CZI revealed that it would be supported by more than 300 members from the organisation. “I came here as a member of the CZI,” Kanyekanye said.
“There is no such thing as targeted sanctions. Sanctions have nothing to do with democracy and they are affecting all of us. We must all say they must go and join President Mugabe.”
Kanyekanye said CZI members had signed a resolution at one of their meetings to strongly support the anti-sanctions campaign.
He then signed the petition asking the West to lift international sanctions against President Mugabe and Zimbabwe.
The sanctions were slapped on President Mugabe and his cronies because they are alleged by the West of having abused human rights in Zimbabwe .
The leaders are also accused of bringing down Zimbabwe ‘s economy resulting in people becoming poor and unemployment soaring to more than 80 percent.
However, President Mugabe, maintains that the sanctions are affecting virtually everyone in the country and it is not only him and his family who are facing a torrid time with them.
The United States of America (USA), the United Kingdom (UK) recently renewed the sanctions after the period had run out.
They said they were still not convinced that things are normal in Zimbabwe right now.
Bishops also supported President Mugabe as they were led by Zanu PF functionary, Bishop Trevor Manhanga at the rally in Harare .
Manhanga said Zimbabweans cannot operate in a vacuum and “business must not be business as usual”.
“It is high time that we open up and free the challenge,” he said.
Members from the Apostolic sect also attended the rally in droves and dressed in their white regalia waving Zanu PF flags.
They sang songs praising President Mugabe.
Joseph Hungwe, President of the Zimbabwe Commercial Farmers Union (ZCFU) also added his weight in the anti-sanctions campaign.
The ZCFU is the largest organisation for indigenous farmers headed by Hungwe who has been at the helm for more than 30 years.
“We want 100 percent total empowerment,” Hungwe told the audience dressed in Zanu PF regalia.
Before the rally began there was tight police presence in Harare especially in the Central Business district (CBD) where it was expected that some MDC would take to the streets to demand the removal of President Mugabe who turned 87 last week.
He has been at the helm of Zimbabwe since April 18, 1980.
Post published in: News