Chronicle Editor
Online writer
HARARE, 23 October 2024 — PRESIDENT Emmerson Mnangagwa addressed the Zanu PF Central Committee today, setting the agenda for the upcoming 21st National People’s Conference in Bulawayo, themed “Industrialise and Modernise towards the Attainment of Vision 2030.”
Ahead of the SADC Anti-Sanctions Day on October 25, President Mnangagwa repeated his call for the removal of Western sanctions, which have long been blamed for hindering Zimbabwe’s economic progress. “We are unambiguous in our calls that sanctions must go,” he said, calling for continued efforts to lobby against these restrictions.
President Mnangagwa’s speech highlighted the importance of resilience and self-reliance, urging Zimbabweans to build their own future. “Nyika inovakwa nevene vayo,” he said, emphasising that Zimbabwe’s development must be driven by its people using local resources.
His speech also focused on industrialisation, modernisation, and the importance of party unity.
The meeting began with a minute of silence for fallen party stalwarts, including the late National Hero Cde Tshinga Judge Dube.
President Mnangagwa paid tribute to these figures, reminding the Central Committee of their duty to uphold the values and legacies of Zimbabwe’s liberation struggle. “May their souls rest in eternal peace,” the President said, emphasising the need to preserve Zimbabwe’s independence.
He described Zanu PF as a “constitutionally entrenched revolutionary mass Party” with a rich history.
The president said this year’s National People’s Conference marks the beginning of a new chapter, urging party members to remain unified and focused on the future. He said the party must emerge from the conference “rejuvenated, motivated, stronger, and more united.”
He highlighted the importance of maintaining constructive debate and internal democracy within the party.
“Our collective expectation of the Conference must see our Party emerge stronger,” he said, stressing that the event is critical to shaping the future of both Zanu PF and Zimbabwe.
A central theme of President Mnangagwa’s address was Zimbabwe’s long-term development goal, Vision 2030, which aims to transform the country into an upper-middle-income nation.
He urged all sectors to embrace innovation and technology to drive industrialisation.
“Our theme, ‘Industrialise and Modernise towards the Attainment of Vision 2030,’ is a call to leap-frog traditional development stages,” President Mnangagwa said.
He emphasised the importance of the Heritage-Based Education 5.0 framework in fostering local solutions and innovation to fuel Zimbabwe’s development.
President Mnangagwa urged the party to ensure that industrialisation efforts are not confined to leadership but extend to all levels of society, including grassroots structures.
“Our structures should be participants, not mere observers of this ongoing revolution,” he said.
President Mnangagwa reiterated Zanu PF’s supremacy over the government, stressing that government policies must align with the party’s directives.
“The supremacy of the Party over Government is a standing principle which compels the Party to supervise and oversee functions of the Central Government,” President Mnangagwa said.
He reminded the Central Committee that its role is not ceremonial but integral to ensuring that the Government implements party resolutions and delivers on its promises.
The president stressed the need for strong grassroots structures within ZANU PF, urging members to focus on rebuilding and maintaining party cells and branches. He warned against infiltration and misconduct, noting that internal discipline is crucial to maintaining the integrity of the party.
“The solution to challenges is not to destroy the structure but to correct anomalies through strict adherence to the Party Constitution, rules, and procedures,” President Mnangagwa said, urging the Central Committee to ensure that all levels of the party are functioning efficiently.
The President called for unity, discipline, and commitment to the party’s revolutionary values in his closing remarks. He expressed confidence that ZANU PF’s policies and Vision 2030 will prosper Zimbabwe. “We shall continue to lift many out of poverty into prosperity,” he concluded, setting a forward-looking tone ahead of the National People’s Conference.
Online Reporter