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Updates by Prosper Ndlovu and Leonard Ncube in Victoria Falls

17:04 – Official proceedings have ended and President Mnangagwa is now leaving Victoria Falls Hospital, he will make a drive through tour of Chinotimba Clinic and another vaccination facility in Mkhosana township

16:41 – He says it is rumoured that some organisations went to western embassies to get vaccines quietly, but we will know more who they are.

16:39 – President now interacting with the media, says Victoria Falls very symbolic in many ways, both as a place of historic moment as he crossed Zambezi River through this city to Zambia under leg irons.

16:25 – Cabinet ministers, former ministers and leaders of other political parties are being jabbed

16:24 – It’s done, President Mnangagwa has received his covid-19 vaccine jab

16:15 – President Mnangagwa now leads high table delegates to take the jab, leaders of other political parties join the queue for vaccination.

President Mnangagwa is being taken through the preliminary registration process of registration and screening

16:12 – Mr Mwonzora, who has received his second jab today, says existing skepticism over vaccination could be removed through leaders showing good example, “it’s irresponsible to incite people not to vaccinate.”

“We are happy that we are starting with Victoria Falls because everybody across political divide has a role to play to revive the economy. Vaccine should go to all ordinary people including rural areas.

“We must never make the Covid-19 vaccine a class issue.”

He ends his speech.

16:08 – Mr Mwonzora says Covid-19 has devastated the world and Zimbabwe and has to be depoliticised, political players must set aside selfish interest, and intolerance and replace it with unity. He urges all Zimbabweans to embrace the vaccines.

16:04 – MDC-T leader, Mr Douglas Mwonzora, now takes to the podium to give a vote of thanks. Pays tribute to ED for inviting other political leaders.

16:02 – “God bless you all, God bless Zimbabwe” says President Mnangagwa as he ends his address.

16:00 – President commends leaders of other political parties for being progressive and taking their jabs.

He invites residents and stakeholders in Victoria Falls to join the vaccination programme.

15:58 – He commends VP Chiwenga for leading by example in vaccination. Says even after vaccinating we should keep our guard and wear masks, sanitise and washing of hands.

15:55 – This should lead to full scale re-opening of the economy in key sectors. President says privately procured vaccines should be availed at no cost.

15:52 – The second phase vaccination programme will continue being state funded and now will cover teachers, judiciary, clergy, elderly…until herd immunity is achieved. Third phase will cover the remainder of the population. Government recently procured 1.2 million doses, initial consignment has been received and remainder to be received by April.

The launch of this vaccination programme attests to government’s desire that the economic journey continues with greater momentum

15:50 – President urges Zimbabweans to shun conspiracy theories and misinformation and get vaccinated as responsible citizens. Says first vaccination phase was a success with over 68 percent in the targeted group (health, security, media etc) having been vaccinated. “Well done to you front-line workers”, says President

15:48 – “Going forward let us build on singleness of purpose and more together in harmony and love, build the Zimbabwe we want. Incumbent upon us leaders to encourage hard work and patriotism, unity of purpose. We are one people, one country Zimbabwe.”

15:45 – He acknowledges presence of 16 leaders of other political parties including Dr Lovemore Madhuku (NCA), Douglas Mwonzora (MDC-T) and others who came to witness the launch.

Jokingly says “if your president is not here, then it’s not my fault”

The other political leaders would also receive their Covid-19 vaccination here, says the President.

15:41 – President Mnangagwa now takes to the podium to address delegates…

15:40 – Dr Chiwenga says today’s launch marks turning point towards national vaccinations targeting 60 percent of the population, which will lead to full reopening of the economy across the country.

He outlines President Mnangagwa’s profile tracing it back to days before independence, days of white settler oppression, political consciousness, which led him to join the struggle at tender age and fighting ruthlessly until independence. Says President Mnangagwa served the country with exceptional commitment after independence where he held several key posts in Government until 2017 when he assumed Presidency. Since then President Mnangagwa has championed comprehensive reforms guided by his upper middle income status vision by 2030.

15:35 – Vice President Dr Constantine Chiwenga, who is also minister of health now addressing. Welcomes the President and delegates, including leaders of other political parties.

“Public health safety is critical to ensuring vibrant economic recovery. Regrets that Covid-19 has claimed many lives since its outbreak early last year. “May their dearest souls rest in eternal peace,” says Dr Chiwenga. He leads delegates in observing moment of silence to remember the departed citizens

Says vaccination programme being scaled up to cover the masses across the country after successful first phase, which targeted front-line workers.

“I feel great after taking my vaccination”, says Dr Chiwenga as he encourages millions of Zimbabweans to embrace the jabs.

15:24 – Mat-North Provincial Affairs Minister Cde Richard Moyo, takes it he podium to give welcome remarks. Says mass vaccination launch befitting for Victoria Falls, as it will give required confidence to tourists that Zimbabwe is a healthy and Covid-19 safe destination.

15:16 – The briefing has ended and official proceedings are starting now with the singing of the national anthem led by Mosi-oa- Tunya High School. President Mnangagwa will soon be addressing

14;56 – In line with the Covid-19 mitigation guidelines, delegates here and members of the public are putting on their masks and social distancing is the order of the day.

14:49 – President Mnangagwa now at the Victoria Falls Hospital, the venue for the second phase national Covid-19 mass vaccination exercise. He is now in a closed-door briefing with his deputy, Dr Chiwenga and top health officials among other dignitaries. Scores of people are gathered here to witness the President taking his first jab, and more citizens are eager to also get vaccinated.

14:00 – President Mnangagwa, VP Chiwenga and leaders of other political parties being entertained soon after arrival by a Victoria Falls mixed arts group at the Victoria Falls Airport.

13:50 – President Mnangagwa has arrived in Victoria Falls.

13:45 – Vice President Chiwenga and senior government officials now at Victoria Falls International Airport awaiting the arrival of President Mnangagwa, who will officially launch the second mass vaccination programme. The President will also be vaccinated here.

Leaders of other political parties are also expected to arrive with the President, according to Presidential spokesperson, Cde George Charamba.

PREAMBLE

The mass vaccination programme continues this morning at Victoria Falls Hospital ahead of the official launch of the second phase of the national vaccination by President Mnangagwa later in the day.

Scores of locals, journalists and other stakeholders are trickling in to partake at today’s proceedings.

Every person has to go through PCR test at the Victoria Falls Hospital as part of mitigatory measure and ensuring safety.  Sanitisation and social distancing is being maintained.

 

The venue for the official proceedings where president Mnangagwa will officiate is almost ready, with tents pitched and workmen arranging chairs.

Meanwhile, outside the hospital gate, residents queue, as they wait to be vaccinated today.

We will be back with more updates when President Mnangagwa arrives, for now visit our Facebook – Chronicle Zimbabwe and our Twitter account – @ChronicleZim – for social updates.