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Emmerson Mnangagwa takes over as Zimbabwe President (Second Lead)
Harare, Nov 24 (IANS) Former Vice President Emmerson Mnangagwa, whose recent ousting prompted a military takeover in Zimbabwe, was sworn in as President on Friday, triggering an uncertain phase in the country’s history following the end of Robert Mugabe’s 37-year reign.
The swearing-in ceremony of Mnangagwa, a high-profile member of the ruling ZANU-PF party, took place at the capital’s National Sports Stadium and was witnessed by tens of thousands of jubilant Zimbabweans. Dignitaries, including leaders from various African countries, filed in to cheers.
Widely known as “the Crocodile”, Mnangagwa was a key Mugabe confidant for decades until they fell out due to the presidential ambitions of former first lady Grace Mugabe.
“I, Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, swear that as President of the Republic of Zimbabwe I will be faithful to Zimbabwe and obey, uphold and defend the Constitution and all of the laws of Zimbabwe,” the 75-year-old leader said while greeting the crowd with a raised fist.
“I will protect and promote the rights of the people of Zimbabwe and discharge my duties with all my strength, the best of my knowledge and ability,” he added.
Mnangagwa was accompanied by his wife Auxilia and gave her a kiss after the green presidential sash was placed around his neck making him the second leader of Zimbabwe since independence in 1980. He received a 21-gun salute, firing of a cannon and a military aircraft fly past in a colourful ceremony.
Opposition leaders Morgan Tsvangirai and Joice Mujuru — who both had their sights on the presidency at various times — were at the ceremony. Mugabe did not attend Mnangagwa’s inauguration and the official explanation for his absence was that the 93-year-old needed to rest.
Mnangagwa, who served for half a century as his predecessor’s right-hand man, also paid tribute to Mugabe as his “father” and “mentor”.
Despite admitting he played a role in Mugabe’s ouster, Mnangagwa used his first official address to the nation to show respect to him, whom he said he still personally considered his leader.
“He led us in our struggle for national independence. He assumed responsibility for leadership at a formative and very challenging time,” Mnangagwa said, adding later that the nation should “let bygones be bygones”.
Mnangagwa laid out his vision to re-energize Zimbabwe’s economy, tackle corruption, reimburse the farmers whose land was seized under Mugabe and protect foreign investment in Zimbabwe.
“We ask those who have punished us in the past to reconsider,” Mnangagwa said, in a possible reference to years of sanctions and international condemnation over rights abuses.
People sang and danced in the stands and raised banners reading “Dawn of a new era” and “No to retribution”, even as human rights activists began to report worrying details of attacks on close allies of Grace Mugabe and their families.
Mnangagwa himself has warned against “vengeful retribution”. He was sacked as Vice President by Mugabe two weeks ago, triggering a political crisis that culminated in Mugabe’s resignation on Tuesday.
He will serve as an interim President until a leader is elected at the polls next year. He is expected to contest the election as well.
–IANS
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Dr. Abhishek Verma Dedicates a Shelter in Memory of His Mother, Veena Verma, at KGMU; Inaugurated by Daughter Nicolle Verma
World-renowned business tycoon Dr. Abhishek Verma has supported Foodman Vishal Singh’s Hunger-Free World mission. In memory of his mother, Late Veena Verma, who was a 3 term Rajya Sabha MP.
Dr. Verma dedicated a state-of-the-art free permanent shelter for the attendants of patients at KGMU Medical University, Lucknow, under the aegis of Vijay Shree Foundation. His daughter, Nicolle Verma, inaugurated the shelter.
During the event, Foodman Vishal Singh honored Nicolle Verma by presenting her with a memento. Mrs. Nidhi Sharma and Avantika Yadav, associated with the organization, welcomed her with garlands. Following this, Nicolle Verma distributed essential items to the attendants and also handed out fruits. She became emotional remembering her grandmother on her birth anniversary.
On this occasion, she also inaugurated the “Veena Verma Sevalaya” in memory of her grandmother, Veena Verma, to serve the attendants. She expressed, “I feel proud that my family is engaged in nation-building as well as social service. Today, in collaboration with Vijay Shree Foundation founder Foodman Vishal Singh Ji, I feel immensely proud to dedicate this shelter for the poor, helpless, and needy attendants of patients battling serious illnesses like cancer. I am honored to be associated with the Hunger-Free World Mission for humanity.”
Inspired by the continuous humanitarian service provided by Vijay Shree Foundation over the past 17 years, Nicolle Verma donated 10 lakh rupees to support the cause. The purpose of this donation is to ensure that services continue for the needy attendants of patients suffering from severe illnesses in hospitals, as facilitated by Foodman Vishal Singh.
It is noteworthy that Dr. Abhishek Verma’s family has a legacy of public and philanthropic service. They are helping millions to carry forward the values and service work of their parents. On the occasion of his mother’s birth anniversary, Dr. Abhishek Verma dedicated this state-of-the-art permanent shelter at Lucknow Medical College to serve the attendants of patients through the Vijay Shree Foundation.
Supporting Foodman Vishal Singh’s Hunger-Free World mission, Dr. Abhishek Verma assured that he would continually support keeping this flame of humanity alive. He also promised to assist in providing medicines to the helpless patients.
Continuing her grandmother’s legacy of service, Nicolle Verma personally served food to the needy patients and attendants. She said, “It is our good fortune to have received the joy of doing this noble work today through Foodman Vishal Singh. I have taken another step forward in carrying my family’s values and cooperation by joining hands with the Vijay Shree Foundation. My father taught me to serve and help the needy, and I feel happy when I bring a smile to someone’s face.”
On the birth anniversary of the late Veena Verma, the event organizer, Vijay Shree Foundation founder Foodman Vishal Singh, said, “We feel proud and happy that Dr. Abhishek Verma, a globally renowned business tycoon, has extended his support to uplift our country from the hunger index. Today, on his mother’s birth anniversary, he inaugurated a state-of-the-art permanent shelter at Lucknow Medical College, which will always be helpful for the needy attendants of patients. It is a pleasure for me and the organization to receive the affection of Mr. Verma.”
The event was attended by General Manager Verma Family Office Hemant Garg, Sonu Rajput, and the organization’s volunteers, including Sandeep Singh, Parmeshwar Ji, Prashant Rao Gautam, Balram Singh, Ramesh Chaudhary, Suman, Jeetu, Anil, Suraj, Vinay, Manish Bhadauria, Manas Mehrotra, Vivek, Apurv, Happy, and others.
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