Preps for Zanu-PF congress at advanced stage

Pamela Shumba Senior Reporter
ZANU-PF national chairman Cde Simon Khaya Moyo has urged the corporate world to take advantage of a business exhibition to be held during the party’s National People’s Congress in December.

Preparations for the congress are at an advanced stage, with several activities lined up for the event.

“The party will run an exhibition during congress for corporate bodies and companies to showcase their profiles and products to delegates at the Congress as well as members of the public,” said Cde Khaya Moyo.

“The business community is therefore invited to support this exhibition by participating. The congress by its nature draws delegates from every corner of the country and also entails the participation of other organisations and governmental departments. It presents a unique opportunity for businesses to market themselves.”

Cde Khaya Moyo said the involvement of the business community in the party’s activities has gone a long way in strengthening the party and bringing development to the country.

“It’s no secret that even the war of liberation would not have escalated in magnitude if Zanla and Zipra forces did not get the material support from some of our early pre-independence businesspeople who provided material and financial support that proved critical to political organisation on the ground.

“For example, the Tawengwa family and Mushandirapamwe Hotel and the Machipisa family, in Highfield, the Tafi Moyo and Sivako families in Bulawayo, to mention a few come to mind in this regard. Having worked closely with Umdala Wethu, the late Dr Joshua Nkomo, I’m privy to how critical their sacrifice was to the struggle,” said Cde Khaya Moyo.

He added: “To me the congress is a continuation of the historical symbiotic relationship that has always existed between the united Zanu-PF and the corporate world and other unsung well-wishers. I’m aware that donating to the party in cash or in kind goes beyond the corporate social responsibilities of business in general and is, in fact, an act in defence of our revolutionary ideals, national integrity and sovereignty.”

Cde Khaya Moyo said it was important for the corporate world to support the party because it was a party for all.

“For those who may not be aware, the National People’s Congress is the highest decision making body in the party. Therefore, you can be rest assured that all donations are key in ensuring that the congress fulfils its mandate to make decisions to steer this country forward. In other words, it’s also an opportunity for the corporate sector to submit their views and proposals to the party for consideration during this Congress,” he said.

Meanwhile, Zanu-PF Matabeleland North province will this weekend host its provincial fundraising dinner ahead of the congress.

Provincial secretary for finance Cde Stars Mathe yesterday said the province was targeting to raise more than $50,000 at the event to be held in Victoria Falls.

“The fundraising dinner is one of our many initiatives to try and raise funds for the December congress. We have so far invited more than 50 companies from the province and we’re still inviting more from out of the province,” said Cde Mathe.

“Preparations for the event are at an advanced stage and our aim is to raise more than $150,000. Mines and Mining Development Minister Dr Obert Mpofu will be guest of honour.”

In Bulawayo, the provincial fundraising committee, led by Rtd Colonel Tshinga Dube, set up sub-committees last week in preparation for the congress.

Secretary for finance, Cde Charles Chiponda, said the province was preparing for its fundraising dinner to be held at a local hotel.

“We’re yet to set a date for the fundraising dinner but we’ve already started preparing. As soon as we set the date, we’ll start inviting companies and individuals to support the party,” said Cde Chiponda.

“I’m confident that the province will be able to raise its targeted $150,000 and eight beasts as all members are working together for a successful 2014 congress.”

The party is expected to raise $8 million for the congress. Last Friday, Vice-President Cde Joice Mujuru said more than $1million had been raised.