President Robert Mugabe yesterday told thousands of children attending celebrations to mark the Day of the African Child in Harare that he is on his way out and wants his successors to do a better job. Mugabe the only leader Zimbabwe has known since independence 36 years ago -- has used all manner of tactics to cling to power, including alleged violence against political opponents and electoral fraud. A few weeks ago, Mugabe (92), declared he wanted to stay on while First Lady Grace Mugabe told the recent Zanu PF million-man-march that "he will rule from the National Heroes Acre". Constitutionally, Mugabe can run for one more term, which will end in 2022. But officially opening the 24th Children's Parliament yesterday, the veteran ruler admitted his days were numbered. "Once upon a time, I was like you. But I am not like you anymore. I am on my way out," he said. "But when I look over my shoulder, I would want to see bold and courageous men. I want to look behind and say those coming will be better than me." "That is what we always fight to do. To be better than our parents, initially be like them but strive to be better." Meanwhile, children who spoke at the occasion painted horrifying images of what they go through in their daily lives, especially their rural counterparts. This was after Youth minister Patrick Zhuwao had told Mugabe that his government's policies showed a deep commitment to addressing the needs of young people. "The policies of our government are addressing the various needs of our children," he said. "Our youth must be given space to fight for Zimbabwe's economic independence." The government was called upon to take the Child Parliament seriously and not treat it like "a Christmas Day". "The government should do something to help children in the rural areas," he said.
I'AM ON MY WAY OUT, SAYS MUGABE
President Robert Mugabe yesterday told thousands of children attending celebrations to mark the Day of the African Child in Harare that he is on his way out and wants his successors to do a better job. Mugabe the only leader Zimbabwe has known since independence 36 years ago -- has used all manner of tactics to cling to power, including alleged violence against political opponents and electoral fraud. A few weeks ago, Mugabe (92), declared he wanted to stay on while First Lady Grace Mugabe told the recent Zanu PF million-man-march that "he will rule from the National Heroes Acre". Constitutionally, Mugabe can run for one more term, which will end in 2022. But officially opening the 24th Children's Parliament yesterday, the veteran ruler admitted his days were numbered. "Once upon a time, I was like you. But I am not like you anymore. I am on my way out," he said. "But when I look over my shoulder, I would want to see bold and courageous men. I want to look behind and say those coming will be better than me." "That is what we always fight to do. To be better than our parents, initially be like them but strive to be better." Meanwhile, children who spoke at the occasion painted horrifying images of what they go through in their daily lives, especially their rural counterparts. This was after Youth minister Patrick Zhuwao had told Mugabe that his government's policies showed a deep commitment to addressing the needs of young people. "The policies of our government are addressing the various needs of our children," he said. "Our youth must be given space to fight for Zimbabwe's economic independence." The government was called upon to take the Child Parliament seriously and not treat it like "a Christmas Day". "The government should do something to help children in the rural areas," he said.
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