derick.khumalo
Gibson Mhaka
[email protected]
UNITED Kingdom-based politician and legal expert Cde Pardon Tapfumaneyi, who last year joined the ruling party, Zanu-PF under its Dzokai Kumusha/Buyani Ekhaya programme, has been appointed patron of the party affiliate, Visionary Zim One Commander, in a move that underscores the growing role of diaspora cadres in advancing the country’s national development agenda.
His appointment comes as Zanu-PF continues to intensify efforts to harness the expertise, investment and networks of Zimbabweans living abroad through the Dzokai Kumusha/Buyani Ekhaya initiative, which encourages diaspora citizens to contribute meaningfully to national development while strengthening the party’s structures.
In a statement, Visionary Zim One Commander said Cde Tapfumaneyi accepted the appointment with humility and pledged to execute the responsibilities entrusted to him in line with the affiliate’s objectives and the party’s vision.
“I accept this appointment with a full heart and a strong sense of responsibility. I assure the Affiliate, the party, and the nation that I will do my level best to serve in the best interests of Visionary Zim One Commander, Zanu-PF, and Zimbabwe,” he said.
The appointment is expected to bolster the affiliate’s mobilisation and empowerment programmes, particularly among youths, women and Zimbabweans in the diaspora.
Under his patronage, Cde Tapfumaneyi, working together with the PT/Duke Foundation, will spearhead initiatives aimed at increasing awareness of Visionary Zim One Commander both locally and internationally, promoting sport as a vehicle for youth empowerment and national unity, rolling out women and youth empowerment programmes, and supporting the fight against drug and substance abuse.
The organisation said the programmes would be implemented in line with Vision 2030 and the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2), which seek to accelerate socio-economic transformation and improve livelihoods.
The appointment also reflects Zanu-PF’s continued emphasis on broadening participation by professionals and Zimbabweans in the diaspora as the party consolidates support for President Mnangagwa’s development agenda.
Visionary Zim One Commander said it was confident that Cde Tapfumaneyi’s legal expertise, leadership experience and international networks would strengthen the affiliate’s capacity to mobilise communities and drive developmental initiatives.
The affiliate’s leadership said his appointment would add impetus to programmes designed to inspire productivity, patriotism and community development while reinforcing the organisation’s role within the ruling party.
Visionary Zim One Commander reaffirmed its support for President Mnangagwa and the Zanu-PF leadership, saying it remained committed to advancing the party’s developmental programmes and empowering communities across the country.
