Zimbabwean political leaders yesterday rose above their political persuasions and showed the world that they can work together for the country’s common good after they toured the Cyclone Idai-ravaged districts of Chipinge and Chimanimani as a team to assess the damage.

At least 18 leaders of political parties that are taking part in the national dialogue visited almost all the areas that were affected by Cyclone Idai in the two areas and witnessed the work being undertaken by the Government to rebuild damaged infrastructure.

President Mnangagwa, who led the high-powered delegation, visited Nhedziwa and Machongwe areas before delivering a keynote address at Ngangu Township in Chimanimani.

In his address, the President hailed the unity showed by the political parties in face of the natural disaster which required all Zimbabweans to come together to assist the affected communities.

Said President Mnangagwa: “Zimbabwe is a unitary State. We are one people. We are a democracy. Our Constitution allows anybody to create a political movement of any sort in the country. This is why in the last election we had 123 parties. It’s a symbol of thriving democracy in our country. However, 23 of the political parties including my political party contested for the Office of the President so I have invited the 23, including myself.

I am happy that when our people are faced by this tragedy we put our politics aside and approach the issue as a humanitarian that has befallen our country. Together with 18 other presidents who are here the focus is that our people have been visited by this disaster.”State media