I won’t betray you – ED reassures Zimbabweans

PRESIDENT Emmerson Mnangagwa says he will never betray the millions who in November 2017 took to the streets and marched to demand a new Zimbabwe.

The people driven march eventually led to the resignation of founding Zimbabwean president Robert Mugabe.

In an article published by CBN Africa over the weekend President Mnangagwa reiterated that his Government is determined to build a free and fair country for all its citizens.

“Two years ago, on November 18th, 2017, hundreds of thousands of Zimbabweans took to the streets in the spirit of peace, unity and hope, calling for a new start. For a new Zimbabwe.

“I immediately moved to give the people their voices back, opening new channels of communication between the people and their representatives.

“Criticism of the government and the presidency would no longer be taboo, but welcomed, even encouraged. I answered tough questions on my Facebook page, as I promised to be a listening president,” wrote President Mnangagwa.

He added that part of the reform process includes repealing “antiquated legislation” such as AIPPA and crafting laws consistent with the ethos of the new Zimbabwe.

The new laws include The Freedom of Information bill, the Protection of Personal Information bill and the Zimbabwe Media Commission bill.

“Developed in consultation with a diverse range of stakeholders, these laws meet international media freedom standards and ensure the right to freedom of expression and freedom of media.

“Just last week we removed the much maligned POSA, a remnant of the old Zimbabwe that limited the right to protest, and replaced it with a new Maintenance of Peace and Order Bill, devised with input from civil society and our friends around the world.

“These have been key demands of the international community, and should be interpreted as a sign of our commitment to reform. Yet the impetus for change and reform comes from within. We are not reforming to appease the nations of the world, but because reform is necessary to build the future our people desire. Of course, there is still much work to do, but we are heading in the right direction,” said President Mnangagwa.

The Zimbabwean leader admitted that life was getting tougher for his country’s citizens due to austerity measures.

“Of course, too many Zimbabweans still suffer, but austerity is a painful but necessary part of the recovery process,” said President Mnangagwa.

“The people of Zimbabwe know perseverance. Just because the process is tough, we will never take our eyes off the prize. We must never give up until we have achieved our goals: A middle income economy by 2030.

“I shall never stop working towards these goals and will never waver in my determination to realise the dreams of all those who took to the streets two years ago. I am confident that with patience, perseverance and our unbending commitment to reform, we will get there.”