Online Reporter
Zimpapers Reporters
THOUSANDS of Zanu-PF delegates from across the country have converged in Mutare for the party’s 22nd Annual National People’s Conference, which President Mnangagwa will officially open today.
The week-long indaba, which began with the President chairing the Politburo and Central Committee meetings on Monday and Tuesday, is set to conclude tomorrow.
Besides officially opening and closing the indaba, President Mnangagwa is expected to commission the Mega Market Milling plant and National Pharmaceutical Warehouse at the Victoria Chitepo Provincial Hospital.
The President will also plant a commemorative tree at the venue.
This year’s conference is being held at the Mutare Polytechnic College grounds under the theme: Attainment of Vision 2030 through Economic Empowerment and Value Addition.”
The theme resonates with various issues set to be deliberated, including the country’s economic growth and development towards achieving an upper-middle-income economy by 2030.
The party will also discuss internal party affairs.
The indaba will also be attended by invited foreign delegates who give solidarity messages.
By yesterday afternoon, all was in place for the conference, which is held annually.
The conference also features a business expo, with exhibitors drawn from the Grain Marketing Board (GMB), NetOne, TelOne, Econet, Government ministries, departments and agencies, local authorities, media industry, including the country’s largest diversified media group Zimpapers, and small to medium enterprises (SMEs).
Speaking soon after assessing the conference venue at Mutare Polytechnic Grounds, Zanu-PF National chairman Cde Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri said all was now in place for the official opening of the conference.
“I have taken a tour to assess the state of preparedness and I am satisfied, we are 100 percent ready,” said Cde Muchinguri-Kashiri.
She also toured the Zanu-PF Business Expo, where she appreciated goods and services being exhibited by some companies.
“I also appreciated the exhibitions. Companies have come out in their numbers to support our conference in appreciation of Zanu-PF policies.
“Our theme says it all. What we are saying in terms of attaining Vision 2030 through economic empowerment and also value addition is very critical,” she added.
She added that the business expo is a clear demonstration of the confidence that the business community has in Zanu-PF policies.
Sister revolutionary parties are already in the country, with some being represented by their embassies in Zimbabwe.
The Grain Marketing Board chief executive officer, Dr Edson Badarai, said they will ensure food security at the household level is achieved.
“If you look at SDGs, you will find that food security is at the top, so we are here as part of the exhibitors to support the 22nd Zanu-PF National People’s Conference,” expressed Dr Badarai.
He highlighted that before independence, the country had four silos and the First Republic did eight to make them 12.
“Right now, the Second Republic has been able to do 14, which will be completed by 2026.
“This is a massive transformation within the national food security sector,” he said.
Further, he said they are happy with the support that has been given by the Government.
“In terms of the achievements that we have done, we are aware that last year, here was the worst drought in 43 years,” he said.
President Mnangagwa launched the first one in Kwekwe in May this year.
Local businesspeople have also expressed gratitude, saying the indaba has boosted commercial activity in and around the city.
Hotels, restaurants and transport operators say they have recorded brisk business over the past few days due to the influx of delegates from across the country.
“We have recorded roaring business over the past few days,” Letwin Danga, a local restaurant owner, said.
“The indaba has also illuminated the city of Mutare. There is increased traffic, the city is more lively, so we are grateful.”
Londile Moyo