Republic of Zimbabwe Vice-President Joice Mujuru congratulates President Robert Mugabe on his concluding speech at the ZANU-PF 12th National People's Conference held in Bulawayo in early December 2011. The party stands poised for the elections., a photo by Pan-African News Wire File Photos on Flickr.
I am not retiring yet: President
Saturday, 10 December 2011 23:52
Zimbabwe Sunday Mail
President Mugabe has said he will not display cowardice by retiring while Zimbabwe continues to be a victim of Western aggression that has seen the country experience a sanctions-induced economic downturn.
Closing the 12th Zanu-PF Annual National Conference here last night, he said leadership at the highest level could only change hands once the course was clear of obstacles.
The party unanimously endorsed him as its presidential candidate in elections scheduled for next year.
“We want to thank you (delegates) for coming (to the conference). Thank you again for the discipline you have shown. I thank you for the loyalty to the party; the confidence you have in me; for supporting me in upholding my special way, that I am doing a good work,” he said.
“I will try my best to lead the party as I have done. Sometimes the call has come to say, ‘Please retire’. But, as long as there is work and I am sure that the party is in your own hands and moving without hindrances, it would be wrong, completely wrong, when the West is still holding sanctions on us, working against us and holding us back and we are still in this creature of the inclusive Government.
“I cannot leave you in a dam alone. It will be completely wrong on myself and an act of cowardice. I will not be a coward. I am here. I was here working with others. God has given me the life. I am with you and I will not let you down.”
Zanu-PF’s First Secretary and President said some ministers in the inclusive Government were frustrating the implementation of Cabinet decisions such as the revival of industries in Bulawayo.
He said it was puzzling that plans to resuscitate economic activity in the city were yet to see the light of day despite having been approved by Cabinet.
He said he would not continue watching “nonsense politics of frustration”, adding that it was time to terminate the political arrangement through elections.
“They hold certain posts. They continue to frustrate these decisions. That is why we said we are not going to continue to look at this nonsense.
“By having elections next year, this will help put an end to the impasse that is stopping Bulawayo from getting back on its feet, the impasse that is stopping even agricultural inputs from being availed.
“We will go back to the people so you can choose who should govern.”
President Mugabe urged the party to begin preparing in earnest for the impending polls.
“Let us now start preparing for elections and as we do that, we are digging the grave of this monster (the inclusive Government).
“The grave must not always be the usual six feet: it must be six feet times 10 deeper and deeper and deeper and deeper and never again to come out.
“Those who have ridden it without the ticket from the people; those who just asked for a lift and were given a free lift will sink with it six feet, six feet, six feet and six feet times 10.
“As to where they will go that is not our concern. Are you ready to dig the grave? Have you (got) the picks and shovels ready?
“And have you identified where the graves will be? Are you sure you have pastors and priests to pray for them? What is left now is for us to decide on the day when those who have been condemned are put to death.”
The President said true leaders should espouse values and principles that identify with those of the people they wish to lead.
He said those who did not participate in the country’s liberation struggle must flow in the same rhythm with former fighters.
“I was at the bedside of Umdala (the late Vice-President Joshua Nkomo).
He held my hand and said, ‘Land and unity.’
“We need unity and we can never go back on that unity.
“We are a people together and a huge family.
“Why should people go to the MDC when it has shamed them? It does not mind about the people at all. It is just change, chinja chiyi? Chinja vakadzi?(Change what? Women?)”
On constitution-making, President Mugabe said he was pleased with a conference resolution advocating the acceleration of the process, which is now at drafting stage.
He said Zanu-PF managed to return land to its rightful owners adding that the pursuant empowerment programme would not be over until natural resources were under the control of indigenous Zimbabweans.
The conference ran from December 6 to 10 under the theme “Defending national sovereignty, consolidating indigenisation and economic empowerment”.
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