By Staff Reporters
MVURWI – Citizens Against Economic Sanctions (CAES) interim leader Mr Ellison Muchenje Samuriwo, popularly known as ‘Commander Samuriwo’, has hailed Zimbabwe’s successful businessmen and philanthropists for their role in advancing the economic fortunes of the country under the Second Republic.
This comes after several leading businessmen were paraded at the Munhumutapa Day celebrations held in Mvurwi on Tuesday, which coincided with President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s 84th birthday, by Youth Empowerment Minister and ZANU PF youth league boss Cde Tino Machakaire as the best financiers of both the party and the country.
Machakaire described the businessmen as patriots whose financial muscle has on several occasions transformed key economic sectors since President Mnangagwa took over the reins of power.
Commander Samuriwo said the gesture by Machakaire to honour the business community was timely and deserved.
“We as Citizens Against Economic Sanctions applaud our businessmen who have stood firm despite illegal sanctions. They are the true definition of Nyika Inovakwa Nevene Vayo. While sanctions sought to cripple our economy, these philanthropists have built schools, funded youth programs, supported agriculture and created employment. Their contribution is not to ZANU PF alone, but to Zimbabwe at large,” said Samuriwo.
“Under the Second Republic led by His Excellency President Dr E.D Mnangagwa, we have seen business and Government working together for Vision 2030. These financiers deserve national recognition,” he added.
Samuriwo singled out flamboyant businessman and philanthropist Sir Wicknell Chivhayo for special praise following his latest announcement made in honour of President Mnangagwa’s 84th birthday.
Sir Wicknell announced a US$2 million tribute package, where he pledged US$50,000 each to 40 families of fallen national heroes. In his statement, Chivhayo said he wanted a gift that was special and meaningful; and decided not to give the President a personal gift, but to honour those who sacrificed for Zimbabwe’s independence.
Chivhayo described President Mnangagwa as his beloved father and a true liberation icon whose journey is one of service, sacrifice and patriotism from the trenches of the liberation struggle to the highest office.
The initial list covers 30 families of heroes who passed away during and after the liberation struggle, with a verified surviving spouse or children, while an additional 10 families close to his heart were added – including the families of the late Vice Presidents Joshua Nkomo, John Landa Nkomo, Simon Muzenda and Joseph Msika, Air Chief Marshals Josiah Tungamirai and Perence Shiri, Gen Solomon Mujuru (Rex Nhongo), Ambassador Simon Khaya Moyo, Cde Tshinga Dube and Sekuru Sheba Gava (Vitalis Zvinavashe).
“This is what we call transformative philanthropy. Sir Wicknell has consistently complemented Government efforts. From ambulances to support for our security services, churches and now families of our heroes, he is showing that entrepreneurship with patriotism builds a nation,” Samuriwo said.
Meanwhile, at the same celebrations, President Mnangagwa’s advisors led from the front in demonstrating loyalty and servant leadership.
In a powerful display of cultural honour, Presidential Advisors Mr Paul Tungwarara, Senator Kudakwashe Tangwirei who is Chairman of the Land Tenure Implementation Committee, and Mr Delish Nguwaya, CEO of Geo Pomona, are said to have marked the President’s 84th birthday with 84 head of cattle each.
Close sources said the three advisors were engaged in a strategic discussion at a development site on the sidelines of the celebrations, embodying the President’s mantra NYIKA INOVAKWA NEVENE VAYO.
“This is not celebration by cake, but celebration by work and cultural honour. 84 cattle for 84 years – each beast representing a year of His Excellency’s strength, guidance and preservation by Almighty God,” a source close to the Presidency said.
Samuriwo said such acts of honour reflect African values and commitment to the country’s development agenda.