President Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe delivers his address at the 30th anniversary independence celebration in Harare. Mugabe called for the end to violence.
Originally uploaded by Pan-African News Wire File Photos
By Sydney Kawadza and Chakanetsa Chidyamatiyo
Zimbabwe Herald
A colourful crowd of tens of thousands yesterday filled the National Sports Stadium as Zimbabweans from all walks of life converged to commemorate the country’s 30th birthday.
The giant stadium was brimming by mid-morning with Zimbabweans from across the political divide setting aside their differences in the spirit of inclusivity.
As early as 9am, vehicles had jammed the road to the stadium while the entrances were choking with the multitude.
The crowd ignored the scorching heat in the earlier part of the day before the heavens opened and cooled down temperatures after the official proceedings had ended.
Political regalia and paraphernalia were absent in the sea of colour.
In his address, the Head of State and Government and Commander-in-Chief of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces President Mugabe urged the nation to uphold the spirit of peace and unity and avoid violence to foster tolerance and development.
"As Zimbabweans, we need to foster an environment of tolerance and treat each other with dignity and respect irrespective of age, gender, race, ethnicity, tribe, political or religious affiliation.
"Your leadership in the inclusive Govern-ment urges you to desist from any acts of violence that will cause harm to others and become a blight on our society.
"Nyaya dzekurwisana panyaya dzezvigaro mumatongerwo enyika, pachiKiristu — ehe zvinoitika kurwisana pakati pemaKiristu — panyaya dzekumabasa, ingava nyaya yerudzi rwupi zvarwo; zvose izvi hatidi.
"Kana kurwisana panyaya dzerudo, kana vasikana vane sarudzo yavo kana akuramba wotora banga wobaya.
"Watsvaga nyika yose here ukashaya? Kana zvanetsa unouya kunaVaMugabe ndokubatsira.
"We want peace. Hupenzi hwekurovana hatidi.
"Tinoyeuchidzwa nekupembera kwatiri kuita nhasi kuti nyika ndeyemunhu wese."
President Mugabe said Zimbabweans were free to belong to any political party, church or organisation, but should remain united.
"Kana vakafira nyika ino, vamwe vaiva vana vadiki chaizvo, vaiva vana vedu havana kunzi vana vanhingi.
"Tinofanira kudzivirira nyika yedu in peace and harmony," he said.
President Mugabe said the Organ on National Healing, Reconciliation and Integration continued to engender and promote national healing after a period of polarisation and hostilities.
"The nation looks forward to the success of the national healing campaign strategy which focuses on the promotion of non-violence and tolerance."
He paid tribute to workers who had remained resolute despite low salaries and wages.
"Tineruzivo rwakanyanya rwekuti mubairo yamuri kupiwa mubairo isingakwane kuita zvose zvamungada kuita asi izvi zvinokonzerwa nekuti economy yanga isati yanyatsogadzi-riswa.
"Tinoda migodhi, mumabasa, mumafakitori ashande Hurumende iwanewo mari. Iye zvino tinodemba ini naBaba Tsvangirai naVaMutambara zvatiri pano tinogara takatarisa nyaya iyi.
"Inyaya yatinogara tichichema nayo.
"Asi izvi zvinokonzereswa naavo vasingade kuti tibudirire varikuramba vakatidzvanyirira nemasanctions. Vanoda kuuya nerweseri kuti kanganisa.
"Tinoshaya kuziva kuti chitadzo hwayi chatinogaro pomerwa nevarungu, nemaBritish, maGermans nevekuUnited States chete asi pasi rose richiti hapana chatakatadza.
"Ko chii chatakavatadzira? Ngavatiregere hupfumi ndehwedu, ivhu nderedu harisi remaBritish. Ngatisadhararei takaichengetedza Zimbabwe nekuti Zimbabwe ndeyeropa."
President Mugabe paid tribute to Sadc, the African Union, the Non-Aligned Movement, Latin American countries, China and India for standing by Zimbabwe.
"They are supporting us and saying we remain strong and say no to the sanctions."
President Mugabe also bemoaned the number of accidents that have claimed many lives on the country’s roads.
"Ichokwadi kuti mota dzedu, nemigwagwa yedu yava midiki asi hatichadi vatyairi vanoita basa rekungovhetemedza mota vachiita kunge ndivo vega pamugwagwa. Nyaya yekuti mumi-gwagwa munobhururukwa hatichadi."
Official proceedings started with the arrival of Deputy Prime Ministers Arthur Mutambara and Thokozani Khupe, followed by Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai and Vice Presidents John Nkomo and Joice Mujuru.
President Mugabe arrived to a thunderous ovation that rose as one when his motorcade turned into the recently renovated arena.
The stadium burst into wild celebrations characterised by singing and dancing, with some chorusing "Gushungo, Gushungo" until President Mugabe finished inspecting the Guard of Honour.
President Mugabe then lit the Independence Flame before addressing the nation.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police, the ZDF and children who mounted mass displays wowed the crowd.
The ZRP displays — performed on motorbikes, bicycles, horses and including dogs — were engrossing, while ZDF personnel were not to be outdone with their mock drills.
Banners mounted around the stadium, which was refurbished at great expense with assistance from the Chinese government, read: "1980 to 2010, from Revolution to Consolidation"; "We are our own liberators"; and "Inclusivity is the form, total independence is the goal".
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