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Online Writer

AFRICAN National Congress (ANC) Secretary General Cde Fikile Mbalula has congratulated Zanu PF First Secretary and President, Cde Emmerson Mnangagwa for winning the Presidential race during the August 23-24 harmonised elections.

President Mnangagwa secured 52.6 percent of the vote ahead of his closest rival, Mr Nelson Chamisa of the Citizens’ Coalition for Change (CCC) who got 44 percent.

The President, who got 2 350 711 votes against 1 967 343 from his closest rival, extended his winning margin from the 50,8 percent polled in 2018. The total votes cast were 4 561 221, representing a voter turnout of 68,9 percent.

There were 11 candidates who contested for the Presidential seat.

Posting on his official X (formerly Twitter) page, Cde Mbalula said: “Zanu PF strong support on the ground. Congratulations. Viva President Mnangagwa.”

Speaking at a recent ANC national congress in the Western Cape, Cde Mbalula praised the Second Republic under the stewardship of President Mnangagwa for implementing reforms in the country, saying the West led by the United States of America are not satisfied because they want a puppet to rule Zimbabwe.

He said from the time of late former President Robert Mugabe, South Africa has maintained its stance against illegal sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe by the West.

Cde Mbalula said after the coming in of the Second Republic following Operation Restore Legacy in 2017, the West has not changed its agenda on Zimbabwe.

Cde Mbalula said because of the ruinous sanctions, many Zimbabweans have migrated to South Africa.

He said former South African President Thabo Mbeki opposed sanctions and the change of power through undemocratic processes.

President Mbeki once revealed that he opposed proposals by Western powers for an invasion of Zimbabwe to effect regime change.

ANC and Zanu-PF enjoy excellent and fraternal relations dating back to the days of the liberation struggle