Empowerment Minister Christopher Mushowe has said that President Robert Mugabe\u2019s continued stay in power is because there is no one fit to take over from him.<\/p>\n
President Robert Mugabe turned 91 this year and has led the country for 35 years, since independence in 1980.<\/p>\n
The veteran leader has rejected calls to consider retirement, insisting that the country still needs him.<\/p>\n
His Zanu PF party has already nominated him as its candidate for the 2018 elections when he would be 94 years old.<\/p>\n
Addressing youths gathered to commemorate the United Nations Youths Day in Harare Thursday, Mushowe said Mugabe has not identified a suitable leader to replace him.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe President cannot get into his grave without ensuring that there is a leader who has the qualities of taking over his reigns,\u201d said Mushowe.<\/p>\n
Although Mugabe claims he is the only one who can lead Zimbabwe, the country continues to struggle with an economic crisis that has lasted nearly 15 years.<\/p>\n
He was re-elected for another five-year term in 2013, promising an economic boom and more than two million new jobs.<\/p>\n
However, two years on, companies continue to shut down and, in recent weeks, up to 20,000 workers have found themselves jobless.<\/p>\n
Mushowe acknowledged the challenges, but blamed them on colonialism.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe have the largest number of unemployment which was caused by foreigners who plundered our natural resources.<\/p>\n
\u201cNow this is the time to exploit our resources and benefit from them,\u201d said Mushowe before applauding the youths for being disciplined.<\/p>\n