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Prosper Ndlovu and Joseph Madzimure in BULAWAYO
ZIMBABWE will continue to shame its detractors through successful implementation of robust and people-centred development programmes and projects as the Zanu PF-led Government accelerates economic transformation in line with Vision 2030 targets, President Mnangagwa said yesterday.
While prophets of doom were dreaming of a divided and crumbling Zanu-PF, the President charged revolutionary party cadres to remain vigilant, guard against infiltration, and uphold unity to safeguard the gains of the liberation struggle.
Delivering his keynote address at the official opening session of the 21st Zanu-PF Annual National People’s Conference in Bulawayo, the President, who is also the party’s First Secretary, said the bond between Zimbabwe and Zanu-PF was solid, adding that the party was in “safe hands” under the current leadership.
“Under our watch, as this generation of leaders, our Zanu PF party ‘is in safe hands’. ZANU PF and the people of Zimbabwe are one,” said President Mnangagwa.
“We’re singing one national anthem, flying one national flag and working hard towards the attainment of our national Vision 2030 for the prosperity, modernisation, industrialisation and development of our beloved motherland.
“However, party systems, must be tightened and insulated against infiltration by divisive elements and malcontents who have no regard for the political order that is guaranteed by the supreme Party Constitution.”
The President reaffirmed the party’s commitment to constitutionalism, saying the conference must buttress the same to guard against the threats posed by indiscipline and political excesses of opportunists, which should be addressed head-on.
“In Zanu PF, we toe the correct line of the revolution. There is no room for ideological indecisiveness,” declared President Mnangagwa.
Zanu PF First Secretary and President Cde Mnangagwa presents the Central Committee report to the party’s 21st National People’s Conference. — Pictures: Believe Nyakudjara
He said the conference theme: “Industrialise and Modernise Towards the Attainment of Vision 2030”, underscores the momentum that the ruling party must inject to maintain milestone successes realised so far under the Second Republic.
Hence the gathering sought to provide an honest and thorough reflection on the state of the party, the economy, and national as well as community projects.
“Time-bound and structured solutions should be proffered, sector by sector. We are a party of results, hence, the need to continually sharpen our party’s policies,” said President Mnangagwa.
“Strategies in this regard must remain robust and people-centred. Therefore, the conference has the obligation to recommit our party, to deepening grassroots engagement and mobilisation, for both party building and scaling up production and productivity, as well as the implementation of projects”.
Despite challenges affecting the country, including illegal sanctions and climate change, the President said Zimbabwe will never look back.
President Mnangagwa and First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa, flanked by Vice President Dr Constantino Chiwenga, his wife Colonel Miniyothabo Chiwenga and Vice President Kembo Mohadi (right) sing the national anthem at the City Hall in Bulawayo yesterday at the National Anti-Sanctions Petition Programme.
“Step by step, brick upon brick and stone upon stone, we are realising the mission, aims and objectives of our colossal party, and consolidating the gains of our hard-won independence, national unity and peace,” he said.
On commencement of the summer cropping season, President Mnangagwa said the land remains the backbone of the economy and was one of the key grievances that inspired the protracted and brutal war of liberation.
He urged Zimbabweans to jealously guard this resource for future generations, noting the recent Land Tenure Policy, which has been adopted by Government for the beneficiaries of the Land Reform Programme, including war veterans, youth and women.
President Mnangagwa also commended the advanced preparations by farmers, saying hard work on the fields must guarantee the country a bumper harvest and food security, more so with the promise of good rains during the 2024/2025 summer season.
As Government pushes distribution of inputs under the Pfumvudza/Intwasa Programme, he warned against corruption and favouritism, saying the process must benefit all Zimbabwean and communities.
“The construction of new dams is on-going. Lapha ko Bulawayo siza-waletha amanzi from the Gwayi-Tshangani Dam and shame the prophets of doom,” said the President.
“Equally, our ZANU PF government shall deliver water to Harare from Kunzvi Dam. With regard to infrastructure development, the construction and maintenance of national road networks are ongoing. Our focus is now on upgrading the Beitbridge-Bulawayo-Victoria Falls and Harare-Chirundu roads, among others.”
He commended smooth conference preparations and applauded Bulawayo as the host province for its warm hospitality, saying the massive attendance of close to 4 000 delegate, is a clear demonstration that Zanu PF is a mass party and remains true to the sacred founding values and principles of the revolution.
President Mnangagwa reminded delegates, who included Diasporans, and diplomatic dignitaries, of the need to safeguard unity, peace and development in honour of the Founding Fathers and struggle luminaries.
Since the last 20th annual conference in Gweru, the President said the party has scored more successes including victories in various by-elections, which is a testimony of the vibrant mass mobilisation machinery of the party.
He, however, said the restructuring of programme from cells and villages must urgently lead to the creation of a credible party membership database. This is a collective responsibility of all party leaders and should enable more responsive development planning over and above the routine strengthening of our internal democratic processes and procedures.
“I am aware that in some districts, chaotic records of members are deliberate and preferred by those holding party positions to gain favour or advantage over others,” President Mnangagwa said.
“This is unacceptable and must stop. Party structures are critical for a strong foundation of the revolution.
“We should guard against infiltration into the structures and not to destroy the structures.”
President Mnangagwa’s sons Collins (left) and Emmerson Junior (second from left), former President Robert Mugabe’s son Robert Junior (second from right) and Zanu PF Secretary for Local Government Cde Supa Mandiwanzira follow proceedings at the conference.
Urging greater linkages and business networks across all sectors of the economy, including among entrepreneurs, the President said the youth and women must benefit more, stressing the importance of nurturing and inculcating a sense of patriotism, a mandate bestowed on the Chitepo School of Ideology.
He also commended party wings – the Women’s, League, Youth League and War Veterans League as vital engine-rooms of the party’s mobilisation and cadre development initiatives.
Going forward, President Mnangagwa said party structures must demonstrate renewed vigilance by opening more innovative fronts to earn, keep and safeguard the people’s support, including harnessing ICTs and the digital space.
He acknowledged and commended the successful holding of the War Veterans League congress and election of a new leadership chaired by Cde Cephas Ncube as a testament of embedded commitment to the tenets of the democracy.
Meanwhile, President Mnangagwa said the economy was on a sound footing with positive growth indicators led by milestones in key sectors such as mining, which has 84 percent capacity utilisation this year despite low commodity prices and is expected jump to 90 percent in 2025.
The tourism industry has become a top exporter, surpassing the US$5 billion tourism revenue target set for 2025 while manufacturing is also on rebound as private sector and Government work closely to address inherent challenges.
President Mnangagwa commended chiefs and people in Matabeleland region for championing and embracing the Gukurahundi Community Outreach Programme as a mechanism that carries everybody on board to enhance peace and reconciliation.
He commended the Bulawayo provincial party leadership for the warm welcome extended to the conference delegates.
Delegates follow proceedings at the 21st Zanu PF Annual National People’s Conference.
“The warm hospitality has become characteristic of the growing hosting prowess of this beautiful City of Kings and Queens, as a leading conferencing destination. Siyalibonga Bulawayo omuhle. Congratulations. Amhlophe. Makorokoto,”
President Mnangagwa said Zanu PF remains true to the sacred founding values and principles of the revolutionary party.
“Together in unity, across the 10 provinces, from all the cells and villages to districts, we are expanding the organisational capacity and growing the strength of our party.
“In reviewing the year behind us and planning for the future ahead, we stand tall and proudly confident that we are indeed jealously safe-guarding the, ‘Unity, Peace and Development’ that the Founding Fathers and luminaries of our party bequeathed to us, as our Zanu PF Motto and beacon,” he said.
Online Reporter