President Emmerson Mnangagwa has paid tribute to opposition parties which have joined the Political Actors Dialogue(Polad) saying their gesture is a true demonstration of patriotism.
Addressing congregants at the national thanksgiving and dedication service in Bulawayo, President Mnangagwa paid tribute to leaders who are selfless in pursuit of a common national goal.
He said Zimbabweans must be united and continue to dialogue and realise national aspirations as a team.
“I want to express our gratitude to God for moving the hearts of a large number of leaders of opposition parties towards nation-building and unity by joining Polad,” said President Mnangagwa.
“On Sunday 22 December, which was Unity Day I was pleased to host them at my farm in Kwekwe where we held our final meeting for the year and reviewed the progress we have made to date.”
Polad, a platform for political parties that fielded presidential candidates in the 2018 harmonised elections to contribute to social, economic and political progress, was launched in May this year and 18 political parties were represented.
President Mnangagwa advised parties that continue to undermine Polad that there was power in unity.
MDC-Alliance has rejected dialogue under the auspices of Polad, preferring to talk exclusively to Zanu PF, claiming other parties were not necessary.
Polad which the main opposition MDC-Alliance has shied away from has brought all parties together to discuss challenges affecting the country and seek a common national vision.
While the MDC-Alliance has called for foreign intervention in driving national dialogue, Polad has come on board under-emphasis that Zimbabwe must be found to be charting its path using homegrown solutions.
