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The First Lady Cde Grace Mugabe (inset left) addresses the gathering at the Robert Mugabe Square for the One Million Man March in Harare yesterday. From right: Vice President Emmerson Mnangagwa, Cde Ignacious Chombo, Cde Sydney Sekeramayi and other Zanu-PF officials follow proceedings at the occasion

Nduduzo Tshuma in Harare
ZANU-PF women’s league secretary and First Lady, Cde Grace Mugabe, yesterday hailed President Robert Mugabe’s spirited fight for the empowerment of his people, saying his qualities cannot be matched by anyone.

Addressing party supporters gathered at the Robert Mugabe Square for the One Million Man March in Harare, the First Lady said the President is a principled man who is consistent with his message which makes him an irreplaceable leader. Because of his qualities, the First Lady said, President Mugabe would enjoy support from the party even from his grave at the National Heroes’ Acre.

“All the youths who came here didn’t just come to be with others but they’ve come to support their leader whom they love,” said Cde Mugabe referring to the multitudes of the youths who came for the march in solidarity with President Mugabe.

She promised the youths that President Mugabe would look into all the grievances they raised, adding that the Head of State is one leader who loves championing the aspirations of his people.

The First Lady said when the country was isolated by the West and its allies for empowering its people, President Mugabe never wavered in his fight for the empowerment of Zimbabweans.

“When our detractors caused us problems in Zimbabwe as you know, the President keeps fighting, arguing that we went to war to fight for the country but independence alone without economic independence is not enough. We encourage and thank you for what you’re doing for us,” said Cde Mugabe.

Meanwhile, deputy secretary for youth affairs Cde Kudzanai Chipanga has called for the investigation of some Zimbabwe Revenue Authority officials stationed at the country’s borders for corruption.

Cde Chipanga said those officials were living above their means raising suspicion that they were sustaining their lavish lifestyles from the proceeds of corruption.

He also castigated some government ministers and senior management at parastatals for alleged lavish spending and “changing posh vehicles like they were changing shoes”.

“Your Excellency ever since I got to know you closely when I joined the national executive of the youth league, I’ve never seen you changing vehicles but there are some ministers who’re in the business of changing cars like they’re changing shoes,” Cde Chipanga said.

He said such practices should be stopped as they are tantamount to insubordination.

Cde Chipanga also castigated some ministers and parastatal heads for wasting money by holding workshops at resort towns while offering the Zanu-PF conference room at the party headquarters free of charge.