Zimbabwe’s ageing president, Robert Mugabe has expressed doubts of winning the upcoming presidential elections to take place on 29 March this year amid cracks existing in the ruling party.

President Robert Mugabe

Addressing ZANU PF supporters at the 21st February Movement celebrations in the southern border town of Beitbridge, the sole ruler since independence said currently ZANU PF is faced with a challenge of breaking up hence it is difficult to predict the outcome of the elections.

“We are now faced with a challenge that we are a solid party. The revolutionary party when we fought the struggle. The same party that won independence and ruled the country.”

“However, the truth shall be seen on March 29,” he said.

Mugabe turned 84 on the 21st of this month. The 21st February Movement was established in 1986 as a welfare organization for youths and as a medium to inspire youths to be well behaved through emulating the exemplary character of their patron, Mugabe.

This year’s commemorations were held under the theme "Defending our sovereignty through youth empowerment".

“Are we still together?” said Mugabe.

The president did not miss a chance, as usual to attack western presidents George Bush of US and Gordon Brown of Britain. He blames the west for all the problems bedeviling Zimbabwe through the imposition of sanctions.

Mugabe hints he wants to tackle sanctions by increasing production, for example in agriculture and mining.

“The country needs dedicated teams to turn the economy around, and not self-centered people. We need people who look at the welfare of the people first.”

“There has to be in the party, loyal people and now we need to engage the young. We shall be unfolding some of our thinking at a later stage,” said Mugabe.

ZANU PF National Youth secretary, Absolom Sikhosana and his deputy Saviour Kasukuwere, Deputy Minister of Science and Technology Patrick Zhuwawo, and other party youth leaders cannot be said to be ‘youth’ considering their respective ages which is above 35 years.

“Let’s tell people the truth about economic hardships and what the state can or cannot do.”

“The incessant rains during the past farming season spoiled the agricultural sector through destroying crops and other produce,” he said.

Last year and the beginning of this year, the government especially through the Agricultural Ministry dubbed the past farming season the ‘Mother of All Seasons.’ The state officials were upbeat about the prospect of a bumper harvest, despite indications to the contrary.

Mugabe emphasised the need to grow as much wheat as possible this winter season.

“We are currently working on new irrigation schemes and getting inputs timeously,” he said.

Mugabe also took the opportunity to verbally attack opposition party leaders. He referred to Simba Makoni as a’frog’ that wants to be big as a cow, but does not have the capacity to increase in size. Makoni recently broke away from ZANU PF and announced his interest to be president, challenging his former boss, Mugabe.

The MDC pro-senate faction leader, Authur Mutambara was labeled a coward because he withdrew from the presidential race. Morgan Tsvangirai, the anti-faction leader was cited as greedy. “Chinoda mari yanaHoward chete ichi,” said Mugabe.

---

Share This Story On:

Average user rating