TheStandard brings you live updates of President Robert Mugabe’s Inauguration taking place at the National Sports Stadium. Updates by Cecilia Kamuputa, Tinotenda Samukange
14:00 – “Same sex ,marriage is filthy, let’s not offend nature.”
13:48 – “We seek peace and work for peace.”
13:43 – Mugabe says water problems would end with the announcement of a new cabinet.
13:42 – “Water must run again, especially in Bulawayo.”
13:40 – The mining sector would play a central role in rebuilding the economy.
13:38 – Mugabe says Zimbabwe will use its abundant resources to bust sanctions.
13:34 – “We need to move purposefully to benefit from our minerals.”
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13:32 – “We have been on sanctions for over a decade and most likely will remain so for longer.”
13:30 – “Those who voted for me have expectations.”
13:24 – “My mandate comes from the July 31 elections.” Mugabe.
13:18 – “Today it is Britain, Australia, Canada and America that want to tell us our elections were not fair and credible. Who are they, we ask. Who gave them the the ability to see better than us?”
13:16 – “The days of colonialism are gone and gone forever. We cannot be bought, we belong to Africa.”
13:15 – “Zimbabwean democracy demands that Zimbabweans choose a government, it’s our right, we fought for it.”
13:14 – Western countries are entitled to their views, after all Zimbabwean elections are meant for Zimbabwean citizens.”
13:12 – “I want to pay tribute to my partners in the GPA.”
13:10 – “Except for a few dishonest Western countries, our elections have been declared free, fair and credible. Tinotenda, Siyabonga.” Mugabe.
13:02 – The MDC formations have boycotted the event, as they protest against the President’s victory.
13:00 – “We had free and fair elections, well done Zimbabwe,” Mugabe.
12:58 – Mugabe says the days of our elections where engrossing.
12:56 – He says today is also a day to celebrate our new Constitution.
12:52 – Mugabe begins his address.
12:24-President Mugabe has just been sworn in by Chief Justice Godfrey Chidyausiku amid wild celebrations by the Zanu PF supporters.
12:20 – President Mugabe is inspecting the parade from a vehicle.
12:17 – 21 Gun Salute as President Mugabe gets ready for his acceptance speech.
12:15 – General Constantine Chiwenga signs Oath of Allegiance to be followed by other Service Chiefs.
11:53 – Stadium breaks into the song “Nyatsoterera unzwe kutonga” by Mbare Chimurenga praising Mugabe’s leadership.
11:48 – He signs the Oath Declaration Statement.
11:47 – President Mugabe takes oath to serve Zimbabwe as the President for the next five years. This is met by loud cheers.
11:45 – President Mugabe being sworn in by Chief Justice Chidyausiku.
11:22 – The National Anthem marks the beginning of the event.
11:25 – Zambia’s Vice President Guy Scott as well as Zambia’s former President Kenneth Kaunda arrive.
11:18 – President Robert Mugabe has just entered the Stadium among deafening cheers.
11: 15 – Malawi’s Vice President arrives.
11:13 – Namibian President Pohamba arrives accompanied by Ignatius Chombo.
11:10 – Former Tanzanian President Benjamin Mkapa and Tanzania’s President Jakaya Kikwete arrive.
11:08 – Swaziland’s Prime Minister arrives dressed in Swazi traditional attire.
11:06 – SA President Jacob Zuma’s International Relations Advisor Lindiwe Zulu among the dignitaries.
11:05 – Former Namibian president Sam Nujoma arrives.
11:04 – SA Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe and Botswana’s Vice President arrive.
11:03 – DRC leader Joseph Kabila arrives accompanied by Defence Minister Emmerson Mnangagwa.
10:57 – Former South African President Thabo Mbeki has arrived.
10:52 – Vice President Joice Mujuru arrives.
10:51 – Service Chiefs arrive.
10:50 – Judges arrive led by Chief Justice Godfrey Chidyausiku.
10:39 – Chairman of Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans Association, Jabulani Sibanda says war veterans are ready to fight if MDC tries to use violence.
10:38 – SADC former Executive Secretary Tomaz Salomao arrives.
10:26 – ZEC’s Joyce Kazembe and Lovemore Sekeramayi arrive.
10:24 – Delta Beverages are giving out drinks as the army carries the beverage cases. Sulumani Chimbetu is playing ‘Saina’.
