Former Minister Urges Mugabe to Unite ZimbabweansBULAWAYO — With Thursday’s swearing-in ceremony giving President Robert Mugabe and his Zanu PF party a fresh five-year mandate to rule, some opposition politicians are beginning to privately or publicly speak about the need for the country to unite and forge ahead. One such politician is Bulawayo-based David Coltart who is urging Mr. Mugabe to embrace all Zimbabweans regardless of political affiliation as he starts his new term. Addressing journalists in Bulawayo on Friday, David Coltart of the Movement for Democratic Change formation led by Welshman Ncube, said there is no doubt that the July 31 polls were marred by irregularities but noted that it is time for the country to look ahead and find a solution to problems affecting Zimbabwe that include improving the economy. The former education minister said President Mugabe should embrace every Zimbabwean in the country as he starts his new term, adding the next five years should be well spent with all Zimbabweans working together for the betterment of the country. Coordinator Innocent Dube of the Christian Youth Forum of Zimbabwe said citizens should demand accountability from the new government. Dube said the nature of the inclusive government made it difficult for people to demand better service delivery as all the country’s then major political parties were in the coalition government. He added that the government has to work for the good of all Zimbabweans without marginalising some areas. Addressing the same meeting, Bulawayo East Member of Parliament-elect Thabitha Khumalo said it is important that Zimbabwe from now onwards start addressing problems affecting the country and not deal with symptoms as this has proved ineffective in the past. She said Zanu PF should change from its old ways, adding Zimbabwe’s economy and democratic governance structures need to be revived. Elected lawmakers in Bulawayo fear the region may be marginalised for voting for the MDC-T but speaking after being sworn into office to start a new five-year term Friday, President Mugabe promised to do all he can to revive the City of Kings, especially reviving industry in the region. He described Bulawayo as ‘a scrapyard’, adding its industrial revival will be his government’s top priority.