Online Reporter
Samuel Kadungure
News Editor
ZANU PF Manicaland has assumed responsibility for hosting the 22nd ZANU PF Annual National People’s Conference – pledging to deliver a seamless event – that reinforces unity, strengthens grassroots mobilisation efforts, and exhibits commitment to achieve party goals and Vision 2030.
The conference will take place a month after the province hosts the Sanganai/Hlanganani/Kumbanayi Tourism Expo.
ZANU PF Manicaland provincial chairman, Cde Tawanda Mukodza confirmed receipt of the official communication to host the conference on Wednesday.
He expressed optimism about the province’s readiness and ability to successfully deliver the event.
Cde Mukodza said preparations for the conference are already underway, with the leadership scouting for a suitable venue.
The last time the province hosted the conference, it was held at Marymount Teachers’ College.
The event, held on a rotational basis, provides the party with an opportunity to reflect on its electoral promises and reaffirm the vision for the nation.
Manicaland is a strategic choice, deeply rooted in the revolutionary party’s liberation history.
The province played a significant role in the liberation struggle, making it a fitting venue to host this year’s party conference.
ZANU PF Manicaland provincial spokesperson, Cde Phillip Guyo on Wednesday expressed optimism about the province’s readiness to host the esteemed conference.
Cde Guyo said the conference will provide a platform for them to contribute directly to policy discussions and resolutions that will shape the future direction of the party and the nation.
“This initiative brings the national agenda closer to our grassroots – specifically Resolution Number 1 of 2024. The conference will also serve to galvanise our party structures in Manicaland, reinforcing unity, strengthening grassroots mobilisation efforts, and demonstrating collective commitment to achieving the party’s goals and Vision 2030 – to ultimately transform the country into an upper-middle-income economy,” said Cde Guyo.
He added that hosting an event of this magnitude often catalyses vital infrastructure development, including key upgrades to roads, venue refurbishment, telecommunications, security, and other essential amenities.
“The selection of Manicaland as the host province for our great revolutionary party’s most significant annual gathering is a testament to our province’s unity, hospitality, and unwavering commitment to the party and its leadership. This is a moment of immense pride and celebration for every resident of Manicaland.
“We anticipate that the conference will bring about lasting improvements in areas such as roads, telecommunications, and venue facilities, leaving a positive legacy for our communities. Furthermore, we expect a significant boost to our local economy, with hotels, guest houses, small businesses, vendors, and transport operators all set to benefit from the considerable economic activity generated by the conference.
“This event will also provide an opportunity to showcase the province’s rich cultural heritage and agricultural prowess. The conference offers a unique platform to demonstrate our distinct attributes to leaders and delegates from across the nation, potentially attracting future investment and tourism.
“I extend our heartfelt gratitude to the party leadership for entrusting us with this profound responsibility. I assure all delegates and visitors that Manicaland is ready to provide a warm welcome, facilitate a successful and productive conference. We look forward to demonstrating our capacity as a province and contributing meaningfully to the advancement of our party and nation,” said Cde Guyo.
ZANU PF national chairperson, Cde Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri, has instructed the formation of various committees to oversee the organisation of the conference.
A technical committee will be responsible for ensuring the smooth execution of logistical arrangements, and meetings are scheduled to take place shortly to discuss the implementation of conference plans, paving the way for a successful and impactful gathering.
The ZANU PF Annual National People’s Conference holds significant importance in the party’s political calendar, serving as an opportunity for introspection and engagement with members and the public.
The ZAMU PF-led Government has made notable strides in implementing resolutions from previous conferences.
Last year’s conference in Bulawayo yielded critical resolutions aimed at enhancing governance and party operations, including the establishment of a comprehensive framework to ensure party supremacy over Government.
Key resolutions from the 21st ZANU PF Annual National People’s Conference include the extension of President Mnangagwa’s term of office from 2028 to 2030, demonstrating the party’s confidence in his leadership, as well as the decentralisation of training programmes.
The Chitepo School of Ideology will expand its training initiatives to administrative districts, benefiting party members, Government employees, and the general population. In addition, the party intends to accelerate the digitalisation of its cell and village registers, aiming to create credible voter rolls and mitigate election-related disputes.
Government is also prioritising the employment of Youth Service Zimbabwe graduates who possess the requisite qualifications.
Additionally, a proposal has been put forth to amend the party constitution, officially recognising non-combatant cadres and war collaborators as integral members of the veterans of the liberation struggle.
