Zvamaida Murwira and Joseph Madzimure Zimpapers Reporters
Zanu-PF First Secretary, President Mnangagwa, yesterday rallied party cadres to convert policies into delivery of services to improve the lives of ordinary people, saying the era of resolutions without implementation had ended.
He said the theme of the 23rd Annual People’s Conference, which kicked off with a Politburo meeting on Tuesday, was quite instructive as it sought to produce tangible results rather than mere rhetoric.
The President said this yesterday while delivering a keynote address to the 133rd Zanu-PF Central Committee, which was held as a precursor to the Conference he will officially open tomorrow in Chinhoyi, Mashonaland West Province.
The Conference is being held under the theme “From Resolutions to Results: Consolidating Economic Development and Deepening Economic Empowerment Towards Vision 2030.”
“The theme is instructive and affirms that the era of ‘Resolutions without implementation’ has ended. It exhorts every structure and cadre of the Party to convert policy into outputs and ultimately a better quality of life for the people of our motherland, Zimbabwe,” said President Mnangagwa.
“Our gathering in Chinhoyi, Mashonaland West Province, a location known for the historic battle of 1966, affords us the opportunity for renewal and recalibration. The Conference must further see us strengthen the intricate and enduring linkages between our revolutionary mass Party, Zanu-PF and the people, through wholehearted service.”
He said Zanu-PF’s long-held legacy was that of producing results for the good of its people.
“Zanu-PF has a rich history of delivery and results. Greater focus will continue to be on ensuring that resolutions and decisions of our Party remain impactful,” said President Mnangagwa.
“Accordingly, the 23rd National People’s Conference shall review the activities undertaken by the Party since the last gathering and map out the course of action to propel productivity, industrialisation, modernisation and overall economic prosperity for all our people.”
He urged Central Committee members to be result-oriented and help guide delegates towards the conference’s set objectives.
“Deliberations should be conducted in a manner which demonstrates that we are a mature and democratic Party,” he said.
Further, President Mnangagwa commended the Central Committee Thematic structures for comprehensively compiling the report, which will be tabled before the plenary of the Annual People’s Conference.
The Central Committee report will provide all party activities held during the year under review and resolutions that were made.
“The Central Committee Report has been well prepared for submission to the Conference. I commend all Standing Committees of the Central Committee for their oversight role over all Party Departments,” said President Mnangagwa.
“This has led to the successes reported and proposals proffered by the respective Departments outlined in the Report. Well done.”
He said the conference will be attended by a broader section of party structures in compliance with the spirit of participatory democracy.
“In line with the long-existing Party modalities and continued efforts to enhance internal participatory democracy, the 23rd National People’s Conference will be attended by delegates representing the broader structures of the Party. This allows for the incorporation of multiple voices as well as broader ideas from the generality of our membership, while bolstering feedback and accountability,” said President Mnangagwa.
“To this end, the Conference is reflective of the diversity of our Party and breadth of our collective national wisdom. Zanu-PF is leaving no one and no place behind.”
The President also commended the Conference’s organising committee for adequately making logistical preparations such as travel, accommodation and provision of meals for delegates.
“I once again thank all well-wishers and Party members who generously gave, in cash and kind, towards the hosting of this landmark Conference. Let us remain mindful that each of us has a responsibility to ensure we contribute towards the efficient administration of the Party,” said President Mnangagwa.
He expressed gratitude to Central Committee members for showing commitment by contributing US$80 000 towards the conference.
He outlined several developmental projects that were completed at the conference venue.
“It is in line with our standing tradition that the party coordinated various community development projects in and around the hosting venue.
“;A water purification plant was upgraded and boreholes were drilled at Chinhoyi University of Technology to augment water supplies at the institution. Water infrastructure within Chinhoyi was improved, with over three thousand households benefiting from new water connections,” said President Mnangagwa.
Additionally, he said 10 blocks of student accommodation and staff houses were refurbished at CUT as part of the Conference legacy projects.
He commended the Mining Industry Pension Fund, which constructed accommodation to cater for over one thousand students. The facility will be available for Conference delegates.
Chinhoyi Hospital will also unveil a new solar power plant and medical oxygen facility constructed with the help of international partners.
“We thank all stakeholders and partners, together with Departments and Agencies of Government who made these projects a success,” he noted.
He highlighted that the 23rd Zanu-PF National People’s Conference is a critical moment in the life of the party and nation.
“Sustained relevance of the Conference depends not only on it being provided for in our party Constitution, but also in the manner in which our long-standing grassroots structures listen to community needs and deliver tangible results.
Let us, therefore, leverage this opportunity to assess our progress, confront our shortcomings and renew our commitment to the people,” he said.
President Mnangagwa challenged the Central Committee members to ensure that deliberations are objective and exhaustive and have forward-looking resolutions capable of propelling Zimbabwe towards Vision 2030.
He warned divisive elements in the party, saying preferences of cliques and narrow inclinations, among other retrogressive acts, had no place in the party.
“Hatidi mweya waRegioni muMusangano wedu. Overall, we have a duty to examine our internal systems, address the gaps, while individually and collectively recommitting ourselves to the Party’s core values,” he said.
President Mnangagwa will officially open the Conference in Chinhoyi tomorrow before deliberations ensue, including the tabling of various thematic reports.
There will also be solidarity messages from sister political parties and organisations in the region and beyond.
The Conference curtain will come down on Saturday, when President Mnangagwa will deliver his closing remarks.
