Online Reporter
Joseph Madzimure and Zvamaida Murwira Zimpapers Writers
PRESIDENT Mnangagwa has called on senior party leaders to lead by example, upholding the values of loyalty, persistence, consistency and adherence to the party line.
Addressing the 393rd Ordinary Session of the Politburo in Harare yesterday, President Mnangagwa, who is the party’s First Secretary, urged leaders to carry out their duties with commitment, patriotism and unity of purpose.
“I exhort us to carry on executing the work and responsibility entrusted to us by the Party with commitment, patriotism and unity of purpose. In all that we do, let us never deviate from the values of loyalty, persistence, consistency and adherence to the correct line of the party. Leaders should lead by example,” implored President Mnangagwa.
President Mnangagwa challenged chairpersons of standing committees of the Central Committee to adequately prepare reports ahead of the organ’s second annual meeting.
“As we approach the half-year mark and our next quarterly Constitutional meetings, scheduled for next month, Chairpersons of Standing Committees of the Central Committee are called upon to adequately prepare the requisite reports. The Committees remain critical centres of innovative policy generation, monitoring and oversight,” said President Mnangagwa.
He added that the Politburo, as the executive arm of the Central Committee, must serve with vigilance, ideological clarity, integrity and a spirit of servant leadership.
“It is my expectation that Departmental Heads will scale up the rate of implementation of agreed policies and strategies, as we grow our membership as well as professionalise and modernise party work.
“In doing so, let us embrace digital technologies, particularly Artificial Intelligence, in party operations, guided, of course, by our agreed communication guidelines and the overarching National Artificial Intelligence Strategy”, he said.
Turning to national development, President Mnangagwa said he was encouraged by recent investments, including the commissioning of the Varun Beverages snack production line in Harare and the 10MW solar power plant in Kwekwe, as well as plans to expand the plant to 100MW.
He said such projects, along with others across various sectors, demonstrated growing confidence in Government policies.
The President urged citizens to appreciate development initiatives regardless of where they are being implemented, saying they benefit the whole country.
“Development is a journey; community by community, sector by sector, we shall continue building our country, as a united people, step by step, brick by brick and stone upon stone.
“Hatidi avo vanonyunyuta kuti sei izvi zvaitwa uko, kwete kwedu. Ayaiwa! Tirinyika imwe chete. Budiriro iri-kuitika kwese-kwese munyika yedu.
“Investments in our country, no matter where they occur, should be a rallying factor and never manipulated to sow seeds of divisions,” he said.
President Mnangagwa said Zimbabwe would remain a competitive and safe destination for investment under Zanu-PF leadership.
He added that reforms aimed at improving the ease of doing business, particularly in mining, agriculture and the creative sector, were beginning to show positive results for both investors and communities.
On the international front, the President said Zimbabwe continues to follow its policy of engaging all nations while maintaining peaceful relations.
He said the Zanu-PF-led Government remains committed to multilateralism, shared development, sustainable peace and stable global supply chains.
President Mnangagwa also commended the Women’s League for organising a seminar for senior female civil servants, saying such initiatives strengthen women’s participation in governance and national development.
He said the Government would continue to create opportunities for women to succeed in both the public and private sectors.
Highlighting recent appointments, the President said the selection of the country’s first female Chief Justice, Elizabeth Gwaunza, and a young chartered accountant, Mrs Vimbai Chikwenhere, as Auditor-General, reflected Government’s confidence in the capability of women and youth.
“This is a testament of the confidence my Administration has in the capabilities of our citizens, including women and the youth. I was equally pleased to address a vibrant National Assembly Meeting of the Youth League. It is impressive that the youth wing is broadening transformational empowerment projects for young people across all districts,” he said.
The President urged party departments to support the youth, ensuring they remain empowered and aligned with the party’s values.
He emphasised that financial sustainability of the party is a shared responsibility for all members.
“The centralisation of party resources is a welcome development. I expect the allocation of party resources and assets to prioritise programmes and activities that result in higher impacts and visible outcomes. Tiri Musangano unozadzisa zvinangwa zvawo. Tiri Musangano wezvinobatika. Zanu-PF is a party that delivers. At every level and across structures, we must always pursue results which are in sync with our decisions, resolutions and policies,” he said.
President Mnangagwa also commended Masvingo Province for reclaiming Ward 9 of Chiredzi Rural District Council uncontested.
He challenged Matabeleland North Province to intensify mobilisation efforts ahead of upcoming by-elections in Wards 1, 10 and 21 of Tsholotsho District.
In line with Culture Month, the President stressed the importance of promoting national values, cultural norms and indigenous knowledge systems.
“Under Zanu-PF, our national values, cultural norms and rich knowledge systems continue to anchor the ongoing development, modernisation and industrialisation agenda. In this regard, this session takes place as we conclude our Cultural Month commemorations. The period saw us celebrate our way of life as an independent African people.
“Through various events across provinces, our diverse, rich cultures were shared and transmitted to our people, particularly the youth,” he said.
President Mnangagwa said party departments, educational institutions, ICT platforms and the media must continue to uphold and promote the spirit of the celebrations.
He added that cultural diversity should be a source of unity rather than division.
“On our part as national leaders, I exhort us to always reaffirm the position that cultural diversity is a source of unity, social cohesion and sustainable development. It should never be a basis for division, conflict or discord. There is no culture which is superior to the other. All cultures must be respected,” he said.
The President commended Bulawayo Province, the Ministry of Sport, Arts and Recreation and other stakeholders for successfully hosting this year’s Culture Month celebrations.
“We also joined the rest of the Continent in celebrating Africa Day. This annual event is a reminder to the nation that we should do our part to consolidate the gains emanating from the independence and freedom of the African Continent against colonialism. The Vision of a united, prosperous and integrated Africa must be pursued, without any apologies”
Meanwhile, a minute of silence was observed in honour of heroes and heroines who have passed on since the last Politburo meeting, including the late national hero Brigadier-General (Retired) Donald Silundi Tshuma, who was buried yesterday.
