Abducted democracy activist Itai Dzamara’s name continues roar until the day he is found and the “Mujuru” splinter group, Zanu People First party has issued the below Independence day message to the people of Zimbabwe pinnacled on Dzamara’s plight. The statement was issued by the defacto party spokesperson Rugare Gumbo, who has urged the people of Zimbabwe to defend and safe guard  their hard earned freedom. Gumbo bemoaned the silence by the government authorities on the abduction of Italian Dzamara saying he was abducted for expressing his right to freedom of speech.
 
STATEMENT TO THE PEOPLE OF ZIMBABWE ON INDEPENDENCE CELEBRATIONS
On this historic day and occasion of our 35th Independence Celebrations, we want to express our profound gratitude to the masses of Zimbabwe for mantaining peace and unity in the midst of a myriad of challenges that have been affecting us as a nation.
Today is a very important day as it symbolises our recognition of the sacrifice of our gallant fathers, mothers, sons and daughters to liberate our country. These people sacrificed their lives to reclaim our identity and rights as Zimbabweans. Through their self-less sacrifice, we attained democracy to freely express our political choices through “one man one vote”, economic freedom, and reclaimed our land. The attainement of our independence brought to an end the dictatorship of Ian Smith and his regime. As we celebrate today, let us pause and reflect on where we are today in upholding the same values that were attained through the liberation struggle.
As Zimbabweans, let us safeguard these values and remain vigilant to resist any manoeuvres by any dynasty or so called “gangs” to reverse the gains of independence. We must always remember that “we are the architects of our own destiny”, and as such entrusting our lives and the future of many young children in the hands of a dynasty or “special gangs” would not only be a mistake but a national suicide. We must always strive to put people first. “Iwe neni tinebasa, mina lawe silomsebenzi”.
Let us shy away from divisive political tendencies and segregating people on racial and tribal lines. The struggle for the national liberation was fought by all people of Zimbabwe, for all Zimbabweans. The current purging of perceived political rivals in the post December 2014 Congress ZANU PF is an unnecessary political evil born out of failure to accommodate and deal with political differences. Zimbabweans need one another to live peacefully and enjoy the fruits of a free Zimbabwe.
It is also sad to note that we are celebrating 35 years of independence at a time when many of our fellow Zimbabweans and other nationalities are under xenophobic attacks in neigbouring South Africa. The loss of lives, and the continued threat to the safety of many migrants in South Africa is a cause for concern. We hail the stance taken by the AU to urge the South African government to stamp out this evil practice.
In our case as Zimbabwe, it is unfortunate that the failure of our political leadership has contributed to many educated and talented people to seek economic refugee in South Africa, where they are now under xenophobic attacks. Whilst we condemn these attacks as inhuman and unAfrican, we are challenging our leader President Robert Gabriel Mugabe and his coterie of selfish political opportunists and careerists to accept the blame for the brutal attack on migrant Zimbabweans in South Africa.
Had our economy been performing well, many of them would be safe in Zimbabwe and enjoying the benefits of our independence. Zimbabweans are now tired of a leadership that focuses on petty party factional wars to the point of bringing the entire nation to the brink. We need a leadership that puts people first, because Zimbabweans deserve the best.
Our economy has been declining over the past two decades. Unemployment is very high and still on an upward trend. Most companies are performing poorly with many closing down and workers losing their jobs daily. This is further compounded by an unprecedented liquidity crisis. This situation can only be revived if appropriate policy measures are taken: • Bringing in a new and open minded leadership with a vision for Zimbabwe.
• Creating a friendly and welcoming environment for local and foreign investors to operate freely. • Maintaining peace and stability in the country. • Formulating clear, consistent and predictable economic policies. • Pragmatic implementation of proposed policies. • Encouraging business to be in the fore front of shaping economic policies. • Tapping into the expertise of all Zimbabweans in the diaspora.
• Respecting and protecting the constitution, promoting constitutionalism and observing the rule of law. Today would a better day if Zimbabweans would be aware of the whereabouts of Itai Dzamara. It is heartrending to note that the present selfish leadership has failed Itai Dzamara’s family and the entire nation. The young man disappeared because he desired to express his freedom of speech, a right brought about by the independence that we are celebtrating today. As Zimbabweans, we fail to find reasons to the merciless brutality demonstrated by the current regime to this innocent young man. The nation deserves an explanation, but most importantly, Itai Dzamara’s family, especially given the existing High Court ruling ordering government to find Itai Dzamara. Let us continue praying for  the family, hoping that one day, we shall get all the answers.
May God bless us as we celebrate our 35 years of independence in a peaceful manner. We call on fellow Zimbabweans to remain calm but resolute in the defence of democracy. We are on the brink of hope and a new renaissance.
ISSUED BY:
Original and Genuine ZANU PF (1963). 17 April 2015