A picture of a thousand words

By Margaret Kamba

They say a picture says a thousand words and indeed it is true. If one cannot deduce something from the clothing, it is the facial expressions which carry deep emotions. Either someone is simply excited to be where they are or they simply are indifferent. A photograph can never lie about the reality on the ground. Believe it or not, it tells even that story behind it evoking numerous thoughts along with it.

The Office of the President and Cabinet 2023 green diary spelling out the principles of peace, unity and prosperity houses numerous pictures of the President and First Secretary of ZANU PF, His Excellency Cde E.D Mnangagwa along with the Presidium.

The images mostly narrate the development story which has taken since the Second Republic began.

Along with the President, The First Lady Cde Auxillia Mnangagwa joins hand in ensuring the upliftment of lives of the people of Zimbabwe leaving noone and no place behind.

Each image with a specific message aimed at drawing anyone who holds it to the role they can play in bringing Zimbabwe to prosperity and the attainment of vision 2030.

The first image has the ZANU PF Presidium acknowledging the role that the men represent, the ruling Party that brought freedom from colonial rule thanks to the heroic exploits of both the ZANLA and ZIPRA forces who now make the War Veterans League.

The caption “We march forward in building our country, leaving no one and no place behind” is a clear commitment that the War Veterans of the Liberation Struggle are committed to churning the country forward along with the citizenry.

For them, it did not just end with the liberation war but they continue today and will do so.

The second image which has along with President Mnangagwa are the First Lady, Government officials and Service Chiefs. Its caption is “We have to work tirelessly as servant leaders, to deliver a more prosperous Zimbabwe” reveals that all hands are on deck to make the country develop much more than what it is today.

Next to it, is that of the President captioned “Jealously guard unity and defend our peace” challenging each one of us to ensure the sovereignty of Zimbabwe.

Turning the leaf over is that of the future of the country represented by the school children. Captioned “We know that the future is bright-our success is inevitable!”, it shows that with the innovation of the younger generation and the bright minds, any path is achievable.

The picture of the Dubai Expo2020 with the phrase “We are opening our economy and liberalising on all fronts” confirms the mantra Zimbabwe is Open for Business. For that reason, “Growing and modernising the economy towards the vision 2030” is inevitable.

“The New Dispensation is about you” is the image with the President and young people. The picture exudes the calmness and confidence the citizenry have in their Leader wherever in the world they are.

The picture collage on the next page of President Mnangagwa at the World Economic Forum and ZINGSA amongst others represent the commitment he has in those industries which include education, business and agriculture.

One can never mistake the picture during the launch of the stature of Ambuya Nehanda along Samora Machel Avenue. Adding to that, the African attire worn by the First Lady with an image of one of Zimbabwe’s greatest heroines. “Let’s honour heroes and heroines by dedicating ourselves to peace” is the caption accompanying the picture. Even today, heroes of the First Chimurenga remain important to this country’s existence. They represent a historical richness that speaks volumes about the resilience of our people.

The independence image overleaf of the Head of State along with the Service Chiefs and the caption “Good times lie ahead and the fruits of our labour will be there for all to enjoy” coupled with the banners in the background written “Ilizwe lakhiwa ngabanikazi balo”, Building the future together” and Lifting livelihoods for economic development” assures all Zimbabweans that there is a bright future not yet experienced.

“Together we are building a new economy, a new future, a new Zimbabwe” captions the picture of President Mnangagwa lighting the Torch of Independence. As captioned his actions confirm the advancement of a new Zimbabwe, future and economy.

Images that follow after that include the hosting of the Children’s Party, a picture pose with the singer Jeys Marabini Minister of Sports and her Deputy as well as the Minister of Finance, the launch at ZUPCO, an address at the United Nations Climate Change Conference of Parties, a field visit and a tour of Rio Zimbabwe among others.

Believe it or not, it is clearly visible how prosperity is being achieved. Only the stubborn men and women cannot see the development around them. If men and women here will not see it, men and women from all over the world will come in to confirm it.

Visits such as this week’s of the Belarusian leader His Excellency President Aleksandr Lukashenko confirm the Biblical story of how men and women journeyed to in order to witness the development. Zimbabwe is that city in modern times.

Men and women from all over are flocking to see this country and contribute to its growth and development.

It was only a few years ago that this same place was shunned when the country took back the land forcibly taken by the coloniser centuries before. We still reel from the illegally imposed sanctions but after all the struggles, the country and its people have emerged victories and are building it using their own resources.

It is therefore imperative for each man and woman to believe that it is only the locals that can build and rule their country.

With examples such as that of the People’s Republic of China of how their model of economic growth with Chinese characteristics, once adopted by Zimbabwe for Zimbabwe and by Zimbabweans will make it a stronghold to reckon with.

It is a 2023 filled with so much hope. Once the elections are done and dusted, unity, peace and development should guide Zimbabwe towards prosperity.

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