“As the people’s party of choice and the ruling party in the district, we felt each and every person should celebrate our independence brought about by the struggle,” said MDC-T Bikita Senator, Kokerai Rugara.
“Cognisant of the fact that the Senatorial post, the House of Assembly seats for Bikita South, East and West and 26 out of 31 council seats belong to the MDC-T, we felt it was incumbent upon us to buy two oxen for people to slaughter during the Defence Forces Day celebrations and provide refreshments for the people,” said Bikita West MP Heya Shoko.
“We are happy that people came from all walks of life to celebrate the event regardless of their political, social and economic differences. A spirit of camaraderie was evident throughout,” he added.
Guest of Honour at the celebrations was Bikita District Administrator Edgars Senza who called on everyone to exhibit the spirit of peace and unity as exemplified by the coming together of senior politicians from both Zanu (PF) and the MDC.
Former Bikita West MP, Retired Colonel Claudious Makova, who was given the opportunity to address the gathering, also called for peace.
“Violence will not get us anywhere and we cannot develop as a nation unless we unite in peace and harmony and tolerate each other’s different way of thinking,” he added.
It was the first time in 12 years that the local political leadership came together to celebrate a national event. In the past, politicians from either side shunned any event that the other party was coordinating. District police, army and prisons senior officers attended the celebrations.
Post published in: News