Story by Josephine Mugiyo, Diplomatic Correspondent
PRESIDENT Emmerson Mnangagwa has warned businesses who are manipulating the foreign exchange rate and unjustifiably increasing prices, saying government will not hesitate to withdraw their licenses.
He was speaking at a rally organised for first time voters by ZANU PF affiliates in Masvingo this Friday.
Thousands gathered at Mucheke stadium this Friday for a first time voters rally organised by the Young Women for Economic Development and bolstered by the other ZANU PF affiliates.
As he met with the first time voters, the President took the opportunity to speak on the skyrocketing prices of basic commodities that have rocked the country recently.
He spoke in no uncertain terms as he pronounced that such acts will not be tolerated and those found on the wrong side of the law will have their licenses withdrawn.
“When I saw what they were doing I said let people bring in goods. Bring in the basics. This wanton increase of prices and manipulation of foreign exchange rate must stop. This morning I met with the Reserve Bank Governor and the Minister of Finance and I gave them instructions that we shall not tolerate this nonsense. Those who are found wanting and committing these heinous acts I now warn then, three times I now warn them,” he said.
It is now election season and the ZANU PF affiliate, Young Women for Economic Development working with other structures took it upon themselves to organise an event where first time voters meet with the First Secretary of the Party, President Mnangagwa.
President Mnangagwa’s message to them was that they should know that ZANU PF is a party concerned with development of the nation as seen through various projects being implemented under the Second Republic.
“There is no other party that does such projects. The country is not built through insults but through peace. Others will be concentrating on insults.”
The President said Zimbabweans are a resilient nation that stood against the Smith regime and nothing can stand in their way to attaining development.
The Party’s First Secretary and President said young people have a role to preserve the country’s legacy through voting for ZANU PF come 23 August.
“Vote for ZANU PF and say no to sanctions. We will build our land brick by brick. Voting you don’t sweat,” noted the President.
It was another opportunity for the President to speak on the issue of drug and substance abuse, calling on parents and guardians to play their role in stopping the scourge.
“Under the Second Republic, our generation of young boys and girls are very tale ye and we give them a chance to dream . There are no sectors that are out of bounds, so say no to drugs.”
The ruling ZANU PF party has been on the ground mobilising young people to register to vote ahead of the 23rd of August General Elections.
