Online Reporter
Conrad Mupesa
Mashonaland West Bureau
ZANU PF Provincial Coordinating Committee (PCC) members have a duty to politically emancipate the people, particularly the youths, as the nation moves towards achieving Vision 2030, the party’s Secretary General, Advocate Jacob Mudenda, said yesterday.
Addressing the party’s Mashonaland West PCC members, he said while Zimbabwe gained independence almost 46 years ago, the so-called born-free generation that did not experience the liberation struggle needed to be liberated from political misinformation.
“We have those who say life during the colonial era and under Ian Smith was better,” he said.
“They need to be emancipated from this thinking as sacrifices made by gallant sons and daughters of Zimbabwe to free us were never in vain.”
Adv Mudenda, who paid tribute to the sacrifices of the 1966 Chinhoyi, said PCC members had the power to inform and liberate youths from negative perceptions about their country, while also paying respect to the heroes who crossed to Zambia through Mashonaland West to fight the colonisers.
He called for deliberate systems of political education at the provincial level, urging the PCC and the Provincial Executive Committee (PEC) to prioritise political education and ideological orientation.
“This requires deliberate systems and structures for ideological training and political education at the provincial level,” said Adv Mudenda.
“Provinces should establish regular political orientation programmes through the Chitepo School of Ideology. Provinces should also encourage youth participation in the National Youth Service, so that all graduates can be considered for leadership roles in Government and its agencies.”
Adv Mudenda stressed that party supporters and new members must understand the ideology to avoid leaving Zanu PF if tempted by opposition parties’ promises.
He said the PCC must ensure new members are not only recruited or converted in numbers but are fully convinced and committed to the party’s vision and mission.
Members of the highest decision-making body at the provincial level were urged to respect the rule of law and give voice to the people they serve.
“As leaders, always remember to listen to the people you lead and be mindful of the fact that the positions you hold will remain in place even after you leave,” said Adv Mudenda.
“Be humble and respectful. Leaders and position holders come and go, but positions remain. I am the Parliament of Zimbabwe’s Speaker number seven, and I shall leave at one point, and so will you.”
While the ruling party continues empowering the masses, Adv Mudenda said the provincial leadership should benefit, as less empowered leaders were less capable of effectively influencing the people.
He emphasised the importance of unity within the party.
“Above all, unity must remain our greatest strength. We should reject any form of factionalism, tribalism, regionalism, indiscipline and all conduct that brings the party into disrepute,” he said.
“We must foster discipline, constructive and progressive engagement that advances the party’s vision and mission. “
Provincial chairperson, Cde Mary Mliswa-Chikoka, in her welcoming remarks, said the province remains loyal, united and resolute in advancing party programmes in the War Veterans League, Women’s League and Youth League, supporting the leadership of President Mnangagwa.
Before yesterday’s meeting, Adv Mudenda had also visited Mashonaland East and Manicaland provinces.
Yesterday’s PCC was attended by Zanu PF Politburo members, including Cde Munyaradzi Machacha, Cde Ziyambi Ziyambi, Cde Mabel Chinomona, Dr Douglas Mombeshora, Cde Douglas Mahiya, Cde Tino Machakaire and Cde Tendai Chirau.
