THE African National Congress has promised its unwavering support for Zanu-PF, saying it has always been indebted to the party for assisting the South African liberation struggle and that of the whole region.

Addressing the just-ended Zanu-PF Fifth National People’s Congress in Harare on Saturday, ANC national executive committee member Cde Tokyo Sexwale hailed Zanu-PF’s contribution to regional liberation and said this should never be overlooked.

Cde Sexwale was delivering a solidarity message on behalf of the ANC, its leadership and South African Presi-dent Jacob Zuma.

“It is Zanu-PF that supported all of us in the Southern African region to have the freedom we enjoy today.

“The importance of Zanu-PF in Zimbabwe and in the region cannot be overemphasised in the quest for political freedom.

“Zanu-PF played a big role in bringing the end to colonialism, to racism in South Africa and in the region.

“It is our sincere hope that this congress shapes the future of Zimbabwe and the region,” Cde Sexwale said.

“We as ANC and Zanu-PF remain as one. We know where we came from and we know our history. What goes on in South Africa will eventually affect Zimbabwe and what happens in Zimbabwe must affect South Africa,” he said

Cde Sexwale said Zanu-PF should lead the way in ensuring the success of the Global Political Agreement, economic development and poverty alleviation in Zimbabwe.

“The decisions reached at this congress will help inject life into the inclusive Government,” he added.

Cde Sexwale drew loud cheers from delegates when he called for the immediate lifting of all forms of sanctions imposed against Zimbabwe by Britain and its allies.

“We want to call on the world and everyone to recognise the GPA and lift any sanctions imposed on the country.”

Cde Sexwale urged Zimbabweans to safeguard the gains of their hard-won independence for which many of their sons and daughters died fighting.

“Your enemies never criticise you, but they will (instead) destroy you, only your friends will criticise you in a constructive manner. Zimbabwe should always heed the call whenever South Africa criticises you.”

Cde Sexwale took the opportunity to ask for Zimbabwe’s support for the 2010 Fifa Soccer World Cup, saying his country would be sending a delegation to brief Government on what support they would need.

In response, Zanu-PF passed a resolution at the end of the congress throwing its weight behind South Africa as an able host that could successfully stage the soccer extravaganza.

The ANC delegation joined other sister liberation movements who graced the congress and delivered solidarity messages to the party. These included Zambia’s Unip, Frelimo of Mozambique, the Chinese Communist Party, and the Cuban Communist Party, among others.

By The Herald