Online Reporter
Ray Bande
Senior Reporter
THE 22nd ZANU PF National People’s Conference has come and come, but one of its key resolutions adopted include a renewed focus on growing the party’s support base, and Mutasa District is employing the power of sport, arts and a cocktail of economic empowerment initiatives to lure the younger generation.
Other key resolutions at the recent National People’s Conference included continuing with infrastructure development projects, stepping up economic empowerment initiatives, and increasing resources towards irrigation development and promoting industrial growth.
The party also resolved to intensify efforts towards macroeconomic stability, inclusive growth, upscaling efforts to fight drug and substance abuse, and strengthening social safety nets, in line with Vision 2030.
Speaking during a ZANU PF Provincial Coordination Committee meeting in Mutare last Sunday, the party’s Treasurer-General, Cde Patrick Chinamasa said: “I want to speak about the things that I deem important. Party membership credentials are one of those. We really want every member, by the click of a button, to have all their party membership details.
“So, as well leave this place, let us go back to see to it that we undertake meaningful cell restructuring and digitisation. You were given laptops, all the districts, let us utilise these machines. We do not want silly excuses of lack of electricity,” said Cde Chinamasa.
However, in Mutasa District, home to three constituencies – Mutasa South, Central and North — youths are turning out in their numbers for different sporting and arts events organised and funded by the political and traditional leadership in the three constituencies.
Mutasa District ZANU PF District Coordinating Committee chairman, Cde Washington Ziwiwi said they will continue using sport as a tool, not only to empower youths, but enlighten them on the good that comes with being ruling party members.
“In Mutasa District, we already have a youth mobilisation programme underway, and the response has been overwhelming. Through our three members of Parliament, we have been able to use the power of sport to engage youths in different parts of Mutasa District.
“Only recently, we had a massive, well organised youth sports tournament that the party provincial chairman also attended and was equally impressed.
“We have never witnessed such a big crowd of youths coming together for a sporting tournament hosted by Minister of State for Manicaland Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Advocate Misheck Mugadza who is also Member of the House of Assembly for Mutasa South Constituency.
“Only last week, we had another similar initiative in Mutare Central Constituency, and again the crowd was big as youths turned out for the event. We are also using this initiative to spread the message against drug and substance abuse.
“However, our aim is towards mass mobilisation of membership for the party and it is paying dividends. It is evident that youths can easily participate in these events unlike the usual rallies and meetings,” he said.
Only recent, Chief Senator James Mutasa bankrolled traditional dance, choral and arts competitions held at his court premises in the district where individual prizes were awarded.
Among those that received awards were St James Zongoro The Great Primary School choir conductor, Mr Kudzai Mafara who received US$100 for the prize for being the best among conductors, while St Columbus were awarded the best choir accolade.
Chief Senator Mutasa said:
“We have very big plans as far as sports, arts and cultural activities for the younger generation is concerned. We will be using the little resources that we have and help we get from well-wishers to ensure that we give these youngsters in Mutasa the right exposure to such socio-political and economic activities.”
Mr Collins Mapaya, the National Association for Primary Heads (NAPH) chair for Mutasa District said: “We really appreciate the help we got from Chief Mutasa. We are proud to have such a leader in our community who spares a thought for youths in the area. It was a memorable day at his court premises.”
