By Mako Jerera
The country is set to commemorate the fifth anniversary of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Anti-Sanctions Day on Friday, October 25, with His Excellency President Emmerson Mnangagwa leading the event to be held in Bulawayo.
SADC Anti-Sanctions Day was established in August 2019 during the tenure of the late Tanzanian leader, Dr. John Magufuli, as chair of the organization. The day serves as a platform for SADC member states to collectively voice their opposition towards sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe, through various activities and engagements.
President Mnangagwa is expected to deliver a national address on behalf of the regional body, preceeding other events to roll out during the day.
In preparation, the Government has organized a series of activities to mark the day, including a media conference, roadshows, cultural and musical events, solidarity marches, and public awareness campaigns.
Additional activities will include innovation exhibitions by schools and tertiary institutions, panel discussions, and the screening of documentaries.
SADC Heads of State are expected to deliver solidarity messages in support of Zimbabwe’s ongoing campaign to lift the sanctions. On the sidelines, Zimbabwe’s diplomatic missions worldwide will also hold events to commemorate the day.
This year’s theme, “Embracing Innovation Towards Vision 2030: The Relentless Fight against Illegal Sanctions,” highlights the Second Republic’s focus on leveraging science, technology, and innovation to counter the detrimental impact of the sanctions on key sectors of the economy.
The sanctions, primarily imposed by Western powers, have significantly hindered Zimbabwe’s economic progress by limiting its engagement in international trade, and cooperation with foreign governments and monetary institutions.
Notably, this year’s SADC Anti-Sanctions Day will coincide with the ZANU-PF 21st Annual People’s Conference, scheduled for October 22 to 27 in Bulawayo.
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