By Staff Reporter

PEOPLE’s Rainbow Coalition (PRC) presidential candidate in the just ended elections Joice Mujuru has become the latest opposition figure to recognise President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s victory.

Mujuru, a former Vice President in ex-Zanu PF leader Robert Mugabe’s administration said elections are now water under the bridge and Zimbabwe needed to concentrate on developing the economy after years of suffering.

“Acknowledging the difficult task of reviving the depressed economy characterised by dilapidated infrastructure, closed industries, liquidity crunch, poverty, inequality and joblessness among other ills; believing that we all want the best for Zimbabwe,” she said in a statement.

“I, as the presidential candidate of PRC, and on behalf of the entire PRC family, while noting that the elections were generally free though not necessarily fair, hereby pass my congratulatory message to His Excellency President ED Mnangagwa. “

Mujuru did not attend Mnangagwa’s inauguration but said this was unfortunate.

“It is unfortunate that due to circumstances beyond my control I couldn’t join him on his inauguration. However, congratulations, Amhlophe, Makorokoto to him, his family and his team,” the former Zanu PF number two said.

Mnangagwa’s victory was marred by a Constitutional Court challenge by MDC Alliance presidential candidate Nelson Chamisa but the petition was dismissed for lack of evidence on claims of rigging.

Mujuru joins MDC-T leader and another presidential candidate Thokozani Khupe who attended the inauguration and received a warm reception from the capacity crowd at the National Sports Stadium on Sunday.

Mugabe, who announced on election eve that he would vote for Chamisa, also sent his daughter Bona with a letter of congratulations to Mnangagwa, effectively recognising the new Zanu PF leader as the country’s duly elected President.

Meanwhile Mujuru added that Mnangagwa has a major task, especially job creation and healing a deeply divided nation.

“We wish him well in his endeavours to rebuild the economy and bring about the much needed jobs for the young generation.

“We expect him to heal the  emotional wounds of the generality of our people whose lives have been battered by long years of impunity,  poverty and joblessness,” the PRC leader said.

“We call upon all our stakeholders from the business establishment, international development partners, international and domestic investors, civil society and all political formations to put aside all  differences and focus on rebuilding our country.”

The statement called on Zimbabweans to show “patriotism”.