‘Recalibration of national interest a necessity’

PRESIDENT Mnangagwa has challenged the country to recalibrate its national interest in response to dynamic global circumstances and evolving international economic relations.

In his address at the strategic seminar for Zanu-PF Central Committee members in Gweru on Friday, the President, who is also the ruling party’s First Secretary, said the recalibration is especially vital in areas including trade, innovation, science and technology development, culture and heritage, national defence, as well as peace and security.

National security in all its forms, he added, is everyone’s responsibility.

“Zimbabwe inyika yedu yechipikirwa, inhaka yedu. Our beloved motherland, Zimbabwe, is not and will never be for sale. Tinosungirwa kudzidzisa ruzhinji kuzvipira kushandira Zimbabwe (Zimbabwe is our heritage. We must educate citizens on the importance of sacrifice in serving the country),” said President Mnangagwa.

He added that the preservation of the country’s heritage and the sustainable exploitation of its abundant natural resources for the benefit of all citizens is inseparable from national sovereignty.

As such, the President said Central Committee members have the inherent responsibility to unite the people in a development effort that elevates many out of poverty and into a higher quality of life.

“Every leader is an ambassador of both the party and our beloved motherland, Zimbabwe.

“Central Committee leaders are urged to always promote our philosophy of ‘Friend to all and an enemy to none’, and reinforce that ‘Zimbabwe is Open for Business’.

“The party leadership has a duty to promote good stewardship and sustainable resource utilisation within our communities, at every level,” said President Mnangagwa.

President Mnangagwa remarked that the actions and decisions of the Zanu-PF leadership have ripple effects on the realisation of Vision 2030.

Therefore, they should never take their obligations lightly.

It is in this context that he then challenged the Central Committee to recommit to the values, principles and responsibilities bestowed upon them by history, the Zanu-PF Constitution and the expectations of the general citizenry.

“Ngatizvivhunzei patigere pano, kuti tirivatungamiri vakavimbika kumusangano wedu here?

“Takazvipira here kushandira musangano neruzhinji rweZimbabwe pachokwadi here? Tinosungirwa kuva vatungamiri vano mira nemusangano wedu nguva dzose.

“We must boldly question ourselves whether we are loyal and patriotic, or humble and respectful in dealing with the masses,” said President Mnangagwa.

He added that the trust and confidence bestowed on the party leadership by its membership, stakeholders and the entire nation should be approached with soberness and reverence.

“The party is bigger than all of us Central Committee members; hence, in conducting our affairs, we should always exercise self-discipline and vigilance while reflecting a grounded knowledge of the party Constitution and decorum.

“It is pleasing that the programme of this seminar covers a wide array of issues. We have the onus to openly share perspectives and, most importantly, proffer solutions in a strategic manner that will grow the party while also propelling forward our national development agenda,” said the President.

President Mnangagwa also said leadership is not conferred by position alone, but is earned through the unwavering commitment to wholeheartedly serving the ruling party and Zimbabweans.

“No one can ever claim to be ‘entitled’ to a leadership post. Kwete! Vanhu ndivo vanotisimudza, nemabasa edu, nekuvimbika kwedu.

“As Central Committee members, our conduct must continue to inspire confidence and hope, while also entrenching unity of purpose and trust within the party and nation at large.

“Disregard of the party Constitution and ignorance of the correct party line results in a leadership and membership that is opportunistic, ideologically bankrupt and removed from the masses.

“No organ or structure of Zanu-PF under the watch of the current crop of leadership, must ever degenerate into such a state,” he said.

President Mnangagwa emphasised the importance of the Zanu-PF leadership consistently demonstrating high standards in the quality of leadership it exhibits.

“Let us always be ready to correct structures and members who falter on reflecting the party character, principles and decorum.

“Individually and collectively, we must continue defending, nurturing and transferring our party’s sacred values to future generations.

“Zanu-PF is a people’s party, guiding the journey to Vision 2030 and indeed the destiny of our country,” said the ruling party’s First Secretary.

The seminar ended late on Saturday and delegates returned to their provinces yesterday morning.