Joseph Madzimure and Zvamaida Murwira Zimpapers Reporters
PRESIDENT MNANGAGWA has expressed confidence that the 23rd Zanu-PF National People’s Conference, which started yesterday with the Politburo meeting, will be a huge success, just like all previous ones, as it will be executed in a way that guarantees defining results for ordinary people.
The President, who is also the Zanu-PF First Secretary, said this yesterday while delivering a keynote address at the 398th Ordinary Politburo meeting held as a precursor to the National Annual People’s Conference to be held in Chinhoyi.
“Success is the DNA of our revolutionary Zanu-PF Party. This 23rd National People’s Conference is not an exception and must be executed in a manner that guarantees the attainment of defining results. I am confident that the Party will once again rise to the occasion,” said President Mnangagwa.
In his address, President Mnangagwa said deliberations must enhance intra-party democracy whilst ensuring that decisions and resolutions will lead to positive impacts on the economy and overall quality of life for the people.
He called on party departments to work diligently, with unity of purpose and focus, throughout the Conference period, giving the necessary guidance and direction.
“We remain mindful that the responsibility of the Politburo does not end with the adoption of Conference Resolutions. We must continue to avail the bold oversight required to see that all Resolutions are implemented for impactful results,” said President Mnangagwa.
He said every department or portfolio must remain seized with the decisions falling within its area of responsibility, guided by both party and national interests.
President Mnangagwa said yesterday’s Politburo meeting was meant to make a final review of the preparatory work done in hosting the event as well as the content and substance of the gathering.
“As the Executive Committee of the Central Committee, a number of us will chair various Conference Committees. I exhort us to undertake this responsibility informed by the collective wisdom of the Conference Delegates who represent the generality of our membership,” he said.
As required by the Party Constitution, the Central Committee Report will be tabled before Conference.
He commended the Politburo Members and Heads of Departments for their detailed submissions to the Central Committee Report.
“I urge us to acquaint ourselves with the respective Departmental activities, perspectives, challenges and opposition, outlined in reports, for greater collaboration, synergies and joint programming.
“Ours is the duty to facilitate the seamless implementation of our people-centred policies, hence, the responsibility to provide informed leadership to the Conference and the party in general must never be taken lightly,” he said.
President Mnangagwa applauded members for the great strides made by the various departments to enhance the efficacy of party work.
“The work plans, following the last Conference, successfully directed operations during the course of the year. Focused Policy Management meetings on the other hand, assured judicious planning as well as constant monitoring and evaluation of the tasks undertaken during the period under review,” he said.
He noted that the evidence-based management approach is acting as a compass for the party leadership so that gaps are attended to in real time.
“As the curtain comes down on the Party’s 2025/2026 calendar of events, which is marked by the convening of the Conference, we have every reason to be pleased with our administrative performance,” he noted.
The party’s oversight and continued engagement with Government and other stakeholders, he said, resulted in the successful adoption of an array of reforms.
“The Politburo and party as a whole must never shy away from harnessing specialist skills from across society towards sharpening our approaches, policy proposals and the effectiveness of our colossal revolutionary movement,” said President Mnangagwa.
He commended the Conference Organising Mobilisation Sub-Committee for convening a hugely successful President Ball fundraising dinner, held in Harare on Saturday last week. The President expressed gratitude to all well-wishers and members who generously donated towards the party, saying Zanu-PF remains open for increased support and engagement.
However, President Mnangagwa admonished members to take party programmes seriously by attending them, giving an example of the President Ball Fundraising Dinner held last week where other Politburo members did not show up.
“Some of you came, others did not come, but you are members of the Politburo. Mazvinzwa,” said President Mnangagwa.
He called for unity of purpose to deliver a historic and successful 23rd National People’s Conference.
The Conference is running under the theme “From Resolutions to Results: Consolidating Economic Development and Deepening Empowerment Towards Vision 2030.”
Various reports from different Thematic Committees will be tabled, while organisations and political parties from the region are expected to attend and deliver their solidarity messages.
The Politburo meeting will be followed by a Central Committee meeting that will convene today at the party headquarters.
On Thursday, delegates will start arriving at Chinhoyi University of Technology (CUT), the conference venue in Mashonaland West Province.
President Mnangagwa is expected to officially open the conference on Friday, while the closing ceremony will be held on Saturday.
