PRESIDENT Robert Mugabe on Saturday urged Zimbabwe's ruling party members to tell the truth about the country's economic woes, as he launched his presidential campaign and officially celebrated his 84th birthday party.
"Let’s proceed that way: determined to win, never accepting defeat as something on our way. Let's tell people the truth about the economic hardships they are facing," Mugabe told thousands of party supporters in the southern town of Beitbridge who were celebrating his birthday with him. "The truth about what government is able to do and what it is not able to.
"We are going to work hard to address the problem," he added.
The president's fete in Beitbridge was the major highlight of the day. Ruling party members, chiefs, diplomats, government ministers, and the public in general were in attendance.
According to AFP news agency, “Flag waving party supporters and school children greeted Mugabe with loud cheers when he arrived at the venue, accompanied by his wife Grace and their children.”
Mugabe lashed out at the country's "enemies" who have criticized his presidency, including the U.S. and Britain.
"There will never be regime change here ... Never," he said Saturday.
Across the border, a few hundred Zimbabweans held a protest in the South African town of Musina. They launched a giant helium balloon with banners reading: "Elections free and fair or just hot air?" and "Bob, you've had your cake. Now beat it."
The president took a swipe at his former finance minister, Simba Makoni likening him to a frog.
"He is like a frog trying to inflate itself up to the size of an ox. It will burst," Mugabe told thousands of party activists in a dusty sports field in Beitbridge on the South African border.
He added that the former minister could not present a formidable challenge against a revolutionary party like Zanu PF.
"How can such a fellow step into the ring and challenge a revolutionary party like Zanu-PF?" said Mugabe.
“Ndiwe ani? Ndinonzi Simba. Wakasimba zvakadii? Ndinofira mutry. Ko waperekedzwa nani? Iwe woga, nemudzimai wako kana nemagirlfriends? Ahh, ndine shamwari yangu inonzi Ibbo Mandaza.” (Who are you? My name is Simba [meaning ‘power’]. How strong are you? I’ll die trying. Who is backing you? Is it just you and your wife or you and your girlfriends? I am with my friend called Ibbo Mandaza.”)
Mugabe also lashed out at Morgan Tsvangirai, the leader of the larger faction of Zimbabwe's main opposition party, the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC), describing him as a "puppet" of former colonial power Britain and the United States.
He said he was ready for a fight with British Prime Minister Gordon Brown and US President George W. Bush, who have both criticized his presidency.
"I am ready for a fight, it doesn't matter what Brown or Bush says," he said. "It is the sanctions that they have imposed which have caused a great deal of harm on the economy," Mugabe said. He added that he and his party to win "resoundingly" in the presidential, parliamentary and municipal elections.
