‘Shun self-interest, embrace servant leadership’

Zvamaida Murwira-Senior Reporter

ZANU PF cadres must recommit themselves to serving the broader objective of the revolutionary party and never be guided by the interests of individuals or a clique of people, President Mnangagwa has said.

In his keynote address at a Zanu PF Central Committee meeting at the party’s headquarters in Harare yesterday, President Mnangagwa, who is also the party’s First Secretary, said there was need for party members to push in one direction.

“I implore the Central Committee, as the principal decision-making body, to continue superintending over the party. Let us give guidance that propels our people’s revolution, as well as the national aspirations and goals, without fear or favour. We are national leaders, our discussions and focus must primarily centre around our communities as well as those at the grassroots level,” he said.

President Mnangagwa called for servant leadership and a return to the core values of the party.

“Let us, as we begin programmes for the last half of the year, recommit ourselves to unflinchingly serve our party, with loyalty and patriotism at all times. Hatidi gumbo mumba, gumbo panze. Tinotevedzera gwara remusango, kwete zvido zvedu (We adhere to the wishes of the people and not that of individuals). We must never guide our party towards personal or clique interests. All our activities and directives must always be guided by our party constitution, rules, regulations and procedures.”

The President said it was critical to realise that as Central Committee members, party cadres must lead by example and be a source of inspiration even to Politburo members given that it was a committee of the Central Committee.

“As members of the Central Committee, the highest levels of integrity, discipline and honour are expected of us. When examined, let us all be found worthy of holding this highest level of leadership in our party. Unity, Unity, Unity. Let us lead by example, by what we preach and what we do,” he said.

President and Zanu PF First Secretary Cde Mnangagwa arrives to a thunderous welcome at the 126th Ordinary Session of the Central Committee at the party headquarters in Harare yesterday. – Pictures: Believe Nyakudjara.

“You are keen to see how Politburo members behave. Remember, the Politburo is a committee of the Central Committee. So the committee can never be the boss to the mother. So wherever we are, we must show that integrity of leadership, that discipline, that respect expected of us towards others, wherever you go, people should marvel that he is a Central Committee member, showing character that befits a Central Committee member.”

Turning to yesterday’s business, President Mnangagwa said the meeting would review the state of the party and the economy, party programmes such as the ongoing verification exercise and this year’s Annual People’s Conference to be held in Manicaland Province.

“With regards to party programmes, the progress being made in ensuring the success of our ongoing cell verification exercise is applauded. As I have emphasised before, all departments within the party should ensure that we have a comprehensive and accurate electronic membership database. This must now provide the framework for our internal democratic electoral processes in the lower tiers of the party,” he said.

The President said the party should record the several milestones that it has registered since it assumed power in 1980, as it commemorates its 50th anniversary in power in 2030.

“However, looking into the future, a great responsibility is on us, as the people’s party. Our duty is to create an environment that future generations will be proud of. We must enable our communities, the youth, women, Small to Medium Enterprises among others, to be ready for the future. Our societies are fast transforming, rural communities are now more modern, the education sector is geared for industrialisation, riding on science and technology; a prosperous middle-income status is now within reach,” he said.

President Mnangagwa noted that the Agriculture and Food System Transformation Strategy, adopted under the Second Republic, was bearing fruit.

“The acquired experience by our people, since the Land Reform Programme, is now yielding noticeable results, with improved productivity across the agricultural sector. The tobacco industry has so far recorded sales of more than 316.8 million kilogrammes, far surpassing the 216 million kilogrammes sold during the same period last year. Avenues are being pursued to guarantee that our country realises maximum revenue from this sector,” he said.

Vice Presidents Cdes Constantino Chiwenga (left) and Kembo Mohadi arrive for the Central Committee meeting at the party headquarters.

“This year, we anticipate a grain surplus, which can be attributed to the timely availability of inputs. This is being complemented by the drilling of boreholes and the setting up of village business units across the country.”

The President outlined several empowerment activities being carried out by the Zanu PF Government that include the Presidential Youth Empowerment Facility, the War Veterans Fund and the borehole drilling schemes.

“It is pertinent, however, to emphasise that beneficiaries of the various empowerment programmes should always be honest, transparent and accountable for the resources availed to them. Abuse of these facilities and equipment will not be tolerated. The programmes and projects under all these schemes must ultimately benefit communities as well as the nation as a whole, and not just individuals and their families. We are a people’s party, implementing programmes that uplift the lives of all the people of our great motherland, Zimbabwe,” he said.

Yesterday’s Central Committee meeting was preceded by the party’s Politburo meeting on Wednesday and there will be a National Consultative Assembly meeting today.