Harare (New Ziana) -The media should utilise various platforms to add its voice to calls for the unconditional removal of the illegal sanctions that some Western countries imposed on Zimbabwe, a Cabinet Minister said Tuesday.
The United States passed the Zimbabwe Democracy and Economic Recovery Act (ZIDERA) in 2001 that cut all lines of credit from multilateral institutions.
In a statement ahead of the SADC Anti-Sanctions Day commemorations on Wednesday, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Jenfan Muswere said the media should be at the forefront in exposing the debilitating effects of sanctions on Zimbabwe.
“Sanctions have had a negative impact on our economy but thanks to President Emmerson Mnangagwa who has introduced transformative economic initiatives that have positively impacted on all our economic sectors including mining, agriculture, manufacturing, medical, tourism and even technological developments.
“Therefore, I urge all media players to take advantage of the Government’s initiative to free the airwaves so as to enable the public to freely call for the unconditional removal of sanctions. The media must be proactive in exposing how the illegal sanctions play a massive sabotage to our national interest,” he said.
At the 39th summit in Tanzania in 2019, Southern African Development Community (SADC) leaders adopted a resolution declaring 25 October of every year Anti Sanctions Day in support of calls for the illegal embargo to be lifted as it is affecting the whole region.
SADC states will be holding various activities in their respective countries on the day and call for the removal of the illegal sanctions which have deterred economic growth and caused Zimbabweans to relocate to neighbouring countries and abroad in search of better conditions.
Zimbabwe’s anti-Sanctions Day commemorations will be marked by three major events in Mutoko, namely a march, an expo and a gala.
Muswere said Wednesday’s commemorations focus on the resilience of the youth against the sanctions.
“The people of Zimbabwe and in particular the youth have a responsibility to defeat the illegal sanctions. For the second Chimurenga, colonization was defeated by the youth who fought against white minority oppressors.
“The youth should sharpen the national strategic thinking, harnessing all domestic and international resources including the intellectual capability to defeat the illegal sanctions,” said Muswere.
New Ziana
