Gibson Nyikadzino, Zimpapers Politics Hub
The 23rd Zanu-PF National People’s Conference, which begins today in Chinhoyi, Mashonaland West Province, should prioritise people-centred development mechanisms to advance the national interest as the country moves towards achieving Vision 2030 objectives, President Mnangagwa has said.
Addressing party officials and business delegates at the inaugural President’s Ball, a fundraising dinner aimed at raising US$6 million towards the party’s indaba held in Harare on Saturday, President Mnangagwa, who is also Zanu-PF First Secretary, highlighted that the true value of deliberations and decisions at the indaba should be “measurable, transformative and impactful” to the benefit of the people.
“The forthcoming Zanu-PF National People’s Conference is a platform at which we reflect on our development priorities, consider challenges facing our country and formulate appropriate responses for the Zimbabwe we all want.
“I, thus, emphasise to us gathered here, as leaders of various fields and enterprises, the importance of placing our national interests and the people of our great motherland at the centre of all activities.
“Together, as political actors, along with you in business and society, we are called upon to do more to accelerate the realisation of an empowered and prosperous upper middle-income society by 2030,” he said.
Cde Mnangagwa said the conference’s theme, ‘From Resolutions to Results: Consolidating Economic Development and Deepening Empowerment towards Vision 2030’, should serve as a reminder to advance initiatives that are measurable, transformative and impactful.
He expressed confidence in business and industry playing a leading and exemplary role in contributing to national development under the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2), while complying with the country’s laws and meeting their statutory obligations.
“We continue to consolidate a political and economic environment where investment, enterprise, innovation and productive activity flourish. I am confident that as business and industry, you will play your part by running with the national Vision and NDS2, as well as adhering to all laws, including meeting all statutory obligations. Always lead by example,” Cde Mnangagwa added.
At least 7 500 delegates are expected at the Chinhoyi University of Technology (CUT) for the October 12 to 17 gathering, which has given fresh impetus to development projects spanning water supply, roads, health facilities and tourism, under Cde Mnangagwa’s “leaving no one and no place behind” development philosophy.
Zanu-PF Mashonaland West chairperson Cde Mary Mliswa-Chikoka yesterday expressed satisfaction with the effort and levels of preparedness that the party put in while coordinating with Government departments, security services and all stakeholders to ensure all systems are functional.
She said the host province will remain focused on the final operational checks and coordination ahead of today’s proceedings.
“We look forward to welcoming the leadership, delegates and visitors to Chinhoyi and Mashonaland West Province. Our priority is to ensure a smooth, orderly and successful Conference.
“Preparations have covered key areas including logistics, security, accommodation, transport, venue readiness, protocol, communication and the coordination of delegates and other invited guests. We have also been conducting site visits and assessments to identify any outstanding issues and ensure that they are addressed timeously.
“As the host province, we appreciate that an event of this magnitude requires meticulous planning, discipline and effective coordination. Our focus is therefore on ensuring that all systems function efficiently and that delegates, dignitaries and other participants are received in an organised, secure and hospitable environment,” Cde Mliswa-Chikoka said.
Among key people-centred initiatives, the conference is expected to provide a platform for President Mnangagwa to commission some of the projects, including the upgrading of Chinhoyi’s water supply system, which is expected to raise water availability from about 22 megalitres to nearly 88 megalitres a day.
The increased capacity is expected to ease longstanding water shortages and support the city’s expansion, including the proposed Trabablas City development. The new city and urban development project, covering about 28 hectares, is expected to have its groundbreaking ceremony during the conference.
Mashonaland West Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Marian Chombo urged small and medium enterprises to seize the opportunity to showcase their products and services to delegates and other visitors.
“This is an opportunity for everyone in business, particularly our upcoming entrepreneurs, to market their products and services. You never know where such an opportunity can lead,” said Minister Chombo.
The hosting of the conference dovetails with the Government’s devolution and decentralisation agenda, which seeks to spread national events across provinces while stimulating local economic activity.
