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Wallace Ruzvidzo in BULAWAYO
THE Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) grounds transformed into a sea of vibrant colours as Hall 4 overflowed with enthusiastic Zanu PF supporters.
Red, green, yellow, white, and black regalia dominated the landscape, setting the tone for an electric conference.
Bulawayo pulsed with energy from Thursday morning, as the conference fever took hold.
The City of Kings was abuzz with activity, culminating in a warm welcome from Zanu PF Provincial Chairman Cde Jabulani Sibanda.
A staggering 4 396 delegates attended, but the true excitement began with President Mnangagwa’s arrival. Thunderous applause greeted him as he entered the conference hall, fresh from the anti-sanctions commemorations – a colourful celebration in its own right.
As the President delivered his keynote address, the crowd hung on his every word.
Former Vice President Phelekezela Mphoko and his wife, Laurinda, follow proceedings at the National Anti-Sanctions Programme at City Hall in Bulawayo yesterday. — Picture: Joseph Manditswara.
Attendees listened intently, punctuating his speech with applause, signalling approval and agreement.
Solidarity messages poured in, reflecting unwavering confidence in Zanu PF’s leadership. The atmosphere was electric, a testament to the party’s unwavering support base.
In his welcoming remarks, Cde Sibanda said Bulawayo was honoured to be hosting the conference.
“I welcome you to Bulawayo today, where Zanu PF party delegates are drawn from the country’s 10 provinces and beyond.
“Bulawayo Metropolitan has a rich history, big names, Joshua Nkomo and Dabuza Chikerema came out of this city. Former President Robert Mugabe was a former teacher here.
“Jairos Jiri started his humanitarian programmes in this city. Masotsha Ndlovu also from here, Sengwayo started his indigenous Church here. These are just but a few great names from Bulawayo and more is yet to come out of this Metropolitan Province,” he said.
“Cde President, welcome to Bulawayo, and congratulations to you SADC Chairman. Feel at home and I wish you all fruitful deliberations.”
Zanu PF National Chairperson Cde Oppah Muchinguri Kashiri implored the party members to remain disciplined.
The ruling party’s Secretary General, Cde Obert Mpofu, outlined regulations that allow Zanu PF to conduct the conference and also declared the 21st National People’s Conference duly convened.
“The main purpose of this conference is to receive and consider the report of Central Committee and resolutions of the Central Committee,” he said.
Cde Mpofu then announced the party presidium in line with the party’s dictates.
President Mnangagwa also congratulated the new Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans Association executive led by Cde Cephas Ncube.
Cde Ncube was elected at the association’s elective congress that was held in Gweru recently.
The executive was invited to the podium where President Mnangagwa congratulated them individually.
Online Reporter