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THE ruling party, ZANU PF, will hold its 21st National Annual People’s Conference from October 22-27 in Bulawayo, where delegates are expected to review progress made in implementing party policies in 2024 and strategies for the coming year.
The conference is coming at a crucial time.
Around the world, there are a myriad of challenges, among them the Ukraine-Russia war, as well as the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
While Zimbabwe and the Southern African region stand out for their relative peace and stability, the ripple effects of these global conflicts inevitably impact countries in the Global South.
Zimbabwe’s historical experience has equipped it with the resilience to develop innovative policy interventions to mitigate their effects.
Nearer home, the region has faced its worst drought in 40 years, bringing significant pressure on Zimbabwe and its sister economies.
In response, the Government has put in place various mitigation measures.
The country’s chairmanship of the SADC bloc is an added responsibility to provide leadership to the region.
This year’s ZANU PF conference promises to be a significant departure from tradition, in both form and substance.
The party has decided to reduce the number of delegates.
According to party chairperson Cde Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri, this decision allows for deeper discussions among core party members, including the Politburo, Central Committee, National Consultative Assembly, Provincial Executive, District Coordinating Committees and other key organs, such as the Women’s, Youth and War Veterans Leagues.
ZANU PF is taking a page from the best practices of sister parties like the Communist Party of China.
The party has a membership of 99 185 000, yet only 2 296 delegates traditionally attend its annual conferences.
ZANU PF aims to streamline participation for greater effectiveness.
This streamlined approach is not just a logistical change; it reflects a strategic shift in how ZANU PF is driving the national development agenda.
At this conference, the focus will be squarely on Zimbabwe’s economy.
The Minister of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion, Professor Mthuli Ncube, will present a comprehensive report on the state of the economy, setting the stage for strategic discussions on how to boost economic growth.
Additionally, Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Minister Dr Anxious Masuka will provide insights into the state of agriculture and food security, followed by a report from Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Minister July Moyo, who will delve into food security at household level.
The inclusion of these reports at the conference underscores ZANU PF’s commitment to tackling economic issues head-on.
This focus on the economy is significant because it highlights the party’s recognition of the urgent need for policy measures that will spur economic growth, create jobs and improve livelihoods of all Zimbabweans.
The conference will also feature a report by the Minister of Mines and Mining Development, Winston Chitando, on the mining sector, which is undergoing significant investment growth despite headwinds caused by low commodity prices.
A recent survey by the Chamber of Mines shows that the industry expects to increase production and investment in 2025.
New investments such as the Manhize steel plant and other key investments in beneficiation are already projected to bolster the sector’s contribution to the country’s economy.
We expect delegates to robustly discuss policies to support sustainable growth in the sector, for both large-scale and small-scale operators.
Under the leadership of President Mnangagwa, ZANU PF is navigating both domestic and international challenges with a vision to transform Zimbabwe’s economy through investor-friendly policies and strategic initiatives.
Despite the constraints posed by
sanctions, the party has remained steadfast in its pursuit of national development.
The infrastructural achievements across the country — ranging from roads, dams and schools to the expansion of the Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport and completion of the new Parliament building — are testament to this commitment.
This year’s indaba is a platform for telling a good story — a story of resilience, development and hope.
ZANU PF has a good story to tell.
It is a story about a revolutionary party that is gathering to discuss ways of consolidating what it has achieved using home-grown resources, particularly in the face of sanctions and external pressure.
It is a story of how President Mnangagwa, as he leads the nation and the SADC region, is not focused on parochial politics, but on his vision of creating an inclusive, modern and industrialised economy that leaves no one and no place behind.
Online Reporter
Bongani Ndlovu