Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe along with First Lady Grace. She made a powerful and defiant speech calling for the continuation of ZANU-PF rule in this southern African nation.
Originally uploaded by Pan-African News Wire File Photos
From Samuel Kadungure in RUSAPE.
ACTING President Cde John Nkomo has blasted Western countries for attempting to use the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS) as a tool to stop the country from benefiting from its diamonds.
Speaking at the 75th birthday celebrations for Zanu-PF Politburo member, Cde Didymus Mutasa, at St Faith’s Mission in Rusape yesterday, Cde Nkomo said Zimbabwe was destined to be the world’s largest producer of high quality diamonds.
“We are a free, peaceful and democratic country in charge of its natural and mineral resources. Zimbabwe is under siege.
“There is a stampede for our natural resources. Our detractors know that we have the world’s best diamond deposits. These are our diamonds. What’s the fuss about the KPCS?
“When we try and sell them, they claim that they are blood diamonds but we are saying whose blood is it?” queried Cde Nkomo.
“Colonialism killed us. They are using it (KPCS) as a smokescreen to fight back and control our resources. Minerals in Zimbabwe belong to Zimbabwe and must benefit Zimbabweans.”
Cde Nkomo also urged the young generation to stand firm and defend the gains of the liberation struggle.
“It will be your fault if you lose control of these resources.
“The current leadership and the comrades who have died played their role by liberating this country and the rest is in your hands.
“You need commitment, patriotism and to be strong to defend these gains because if you don’t, the Western vultures will grab them from you.”
Cde Nkomo said the proceeds from the diamonds should be used to facelift critical infrastructure like schools and clinics.
The Acting President also challenged the beneficiaries of the land reform programme to use their land productively to enhance the country’s food security.
“Musarare mumaminda umu nyika ichipihwa chikafu nevavengi vedu. Use the land productively. We have the richest diamond deposits in the world and we are capable of producing high quality gems.”
He also said for Zimbabwe to prosper, there was need for unity and peace.
“It is true that after independence, there were squabbles between Zanu-PF and Zapu but whatever happened in the past should be water under the bridge. We should heal the wounds, reconcile and integrate ourselves.
“We need peace, unity and tranquillity to prevail so that we can move forward as a nation. If we say an eye for an eye, Zimbabwe will be blind.” Cabinet ministers, Zanu-PF Politburo and Central Committee members, family members, villagers, traditional and religious leaders attended the celebrations.
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