Joseph Madzimure and Conrad Mupesa
POLITICAL parties from across the region and beyond, together with local delegates, have reaffirmed their support for the country’s development trajectory and its resistance to neocolonialism and external pressure, including illegal sanctions imposed by the West.
The messages of solidarity were delivered yesterday during the official opening of the 23rd Zanu-PF National People’s Conference in Chinhoyi, Mashonaland West Province, where delegates pledged to strengthen cooperation with the country in various sectors.
Foreign delegates who attended the event included representatives from Belarus, China, Cuba, Russia and Botswana.
A representative of the Belaya Rus Party from Belarus, Cde Volha Chemodanova, praised the cordial relations between the two countries, commending President Mnangagwa for his support in strengthening ties between the two countries.
She reaffirmed Belarus’ commitment to supporting Zimbabwe’s industrial development and other areas of cooperation.
“We are ready to support Zimbabwe’s industrial development and revolution. Mr President, we fully share your view that Africa must remain vigilant in the face of constant threats from neocolonialism, which seeks to undermine the continent’s potential,” said Cde Chemodanova.
United Russia Party, represented by Russian Ambassador to Zimbabwe Sergei Berdnikov, said the two countries enjoy cordial relations dating back to the liberation struggle.
“Zanu PF and United Russia will continue working together towards the development of the two friendly countries,” he said.
Chargé d’Affaires at the Chinese Embassy, Mr Cheng Yan, who represented the Communist Party of China, commended Zanu-PF for hosting a conference that deliberated on the welfare of the general populace.
“We stand ready to work with Zanu PF to ensure they achieve their goals,” he said.
December 12 Movement representative Cde Omawale Farai Clay, from the United States, said the organisation was attending the conference to learn and share experiences with ZANU PF.
He said they were ready to oppose any efforts to undermine Zimbabwe.
“We support Zimbabwe’s foreign policy: an enemy to none and a friend to all,” he said.
Botswana National Front (BNF) deputy national youth secretary-general Mr Thatayaone (Tsotso) Segona commended Zanu-PF for its efforts to economically and politically empower women.
He said the BNF looked forward to strengthening its partnership with Zanu-PF and Zimbabwe to promote the economic empowerment of women and youths through agriculture and other sectors.
Traditional leaders commended the peace prevailing in the country and thanked the Second Republic, led by President Mnangagwa, for providing food assistance to communities during difficult times.
They pledged to continue playing their part in maintaining peace and stability across the country.
“As traditional leaders, we will continue to play our role in ensuring that the peace that exists in the country continues to prevail,” they said in a statement.
Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans Association (ZNLWVA) national chairperson Cde Cephas Ncube reaffirmed the ideals of the liberation struggle, emphasising peace, solidarity and development.
“We fought the liberation struggle so that future generations could live in a free Zimbabwe and a peaceful environment,” he said.
Confederation of Zimbabwe Retailers president Mr Denford Mutashu expressed gratitude to the Zanu-PF-led Government for creating an enabling business environment in which businesses could plan, invest and contribute to national development.
“We recognise the progress recorded in agriculture, mining, manufacturing and infrastructure development,” said Mr Mutashu.
He also commended the Government for promulgating Statutory Instrument 215 through the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, describing it as a decisive and structured approach to preserving specific economic spaces for Zimbabwean businesses while ensuring that foreign investments were channelled towards high-impact, capital-intensive industrialisation.
Mr Mutashu said the retail sector was encouraged by the progress made and noted that locally manufactured products now accounted for more than 90 percent of goods on shop shelves.
“As retailers and wholesalers, we remain committed to strengthening partnerships with local manufacturers and farmers, expanding markets for Zimbabwean products and supporting the development of competitive domestic supply chains,” he said.
