President Emmerson says as the country marks its 38th independence anniversary Zimbabweans should celebrate a new era of freedom, openness and opportunity.

He tweeted yesterday: “As we celebrate another blessed Sunday, we look forward to a week during which we will celebrate our country’s independence.

“This year’s celebrations carry even greater resonance, as we have entered a new period in our history; a period of freedom, openness and opportunity.”

Mnangagwa replaced Robert Mugabe in November last year with the help of the military.

Mugabe was Prime Minister and head of government for seven years and executive president for 30 years.

“In this new era, we must be liberated not only from without but also from within, from hate, prejudice and discord,” Mnangagwa said.

“Let us always remain united, working together with our brothers and sisters to build a strong and open Zimbabwe for all.”

Mnangagwa is trying to win his own mandate in the coming elections which should be held in July or August and is expected to proclaim the elections anytime from the end of this month.

Three opposition parties have, however, gone to court to stop him from proclaiming elections -two because they want him to amend the Political Parties Finance Act to enable the government to fund every party, and one because it says Mnangagwa has no authority to do so.

There are presently 118 registered political parties in the country.