Online Reporter
Joseph Madzimure
Zimpapers Politics Hub
ZANU PF First Secretary and President, Cde Mnangagwa, will tomorrow lead the party in marking National Cell Day, a strategic exercise aimed at enhancing the revolutionary party’s visibility, unity and grassroots strength.
The President and members of the First Family are expected to join their party cell structure at Precabe Farm in Kwekwe.
In a move that underscores the party’s disciplined internal democracy, the President will take his place as an ordinary cell member, listening to his cell chairperson and offering recommendations on the day’s proceedings.
While the President will deliver a brief message, the main address will be given by the cell chairperson, as is customary for all cell meetings.
In an interview on Thursday, Zanu PF national political commissar, Cde Munyaradzi Machacha, said it was mandatory for all party members to be present at their respective cells or villages for the event, which runs from 11am to 1.30pm.
“Every member of the party, from the highest office, Presidium, Politburo and Central Committee members, is required to attend this event. We will assess our strength and verify whether our members are registered to vote, making this a very important occasion for the party,” said Cde Machacha.
The National Cell Day is designed to focus on a “sustained vigorous membership recruitment exercise” while verifying the party’s existing database, Cde Machacha said.
He added: “It will also be used for verification of existing members, ensuring that current members are accurately accounted for and remain active within the organisation.
“The Cell Day allows the party to assess its membership, acknowledging new and continuing members, and honouring those lost. It is a chance to take an accurate account of our party’s numbers.”
The Zanu PF national political commissar said under the astute leadership of President Mnangagwa, ZANU PF has witnessed exponential growth, as reflected in its dominant performance in recent by-elections.
“Under President Mnangagwa’s leadership, the party has experienced significant membership growth, as evidenced by our victories in most by-elections. Consequently, during our National Cell Days, we can assess the extent of this growth, which is crucial,” he said.
Emphasising the strategic importance of the exercise, Cde Machacha said that the initiative serves to bridge the gap between the national leadership and the grassroots, fostering a seamless interface within the revolutionary party.
“This upcoming event is significant as it will provide senior leadership with an opportunity to interface and interact directly with the community members. From the Presidium to the Politburo, the Central Committee, and down through the provincial, district and branch members, everyone above the cell structure will return to their respective cells to connect with their members.
“We are expecting party members to turn out to their respective cells as a demonstration that the cells exist and also to give power to the cell leadership so that they know that their positions require them to meet with their members on a regular basis,” he said.
Cell chairpersons have been tasked with setting agendas that address local developmental needs, including the improvement of clinics, schools and the rehabilitation of feeder roads.
Introduced in 2022, the National Cell Day is a key pillar in ZANU PF’s strategy to rejuvenate its mass mobilisation units. According to the party’s Constitution, a cell structure is composed of 50 members or more.
