Online Reporter
Samuel Kadungure
News Editor
PREPARATIONS for the ZANU PF 22nd Annual National People’s Conference are progressing well with 90 percent of the work to upgrade the venue already completed, while accommodation for VIPs and ordinary delegates has been secured.
The conference, scheduled to take place from October13 to 18 at Mutare Polytechnic in Mutare, is expected to be attended 4 000 delegates.
The party targets to raise US$5 million to cover conference expenses, with Manicaland, and five other provinces exceeding their allocated fundraising targets of US$50 000.
Notable contributors include Midlands (US$100 000), Mashonaland East (US$105 000), Matabeleland South (US$100 000), Masvingo (US$85 000), Mashonaland West (US$70 000), and Mashonaland Central (US$60 000).
Manicaland, as the host, offered to raise an additional US$1 million.
ZANU PF National Chairman, Cde Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri revealed yesterday (Thursday) that the conference will be held under the theme — Attainment of Vision 2030 Through Economic Empowerment and
Value Addition.
Speaking on the sidelines of the National Conference Coordination Committee’s venue tour, Cde Muchinguri-Kashiri said: “This joint meeting with the provincial coordinating committee aims to share information and showcase our preparedness. We are almost 90 percent ready.
“The draft conference agenda and programme have been approved, while three ministers — Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises; Veterans of the Liberation Struggle; and Youth Empowerment,
Development and Vocational Training — will address the conference,” said Cde Muchinguri-Kashiri, emphasising that the Anti-Drug and Substance Abuse campaign will feature prominently on the agenda.
She said as per the conference roadmap, Provincial Inter-District Conferences are scheduled for September 12, with senior Politburo members and Government officials presenting updates on previous conference resolutions, while experts will lead drug and substance abuse deliberations.
Cde Muchinguri-Kashiri stressed that all party wings must adopt zero tolerance resolutions on drug and substance abuse, and advocate for a levy to combat this issue, modelled after the AIDS levy.
“During these meetings, designated senior Politburo members and an officer from the Office of the President and Cabinet will present updates on the implementation of previous congress and conference resolutions.
“Additionally, experts from the Drug and Substance Abuse Inter-Ministerial Taskforce will deliver related presentations.
Consequently, all party wings and the main body must unequivocally adopt a new conference resolution advocating for zero tolerance to drug and substance abuse, and urging Government to establish an Anti-Drug and Substance Abuse Levy, modelled after the AIDS levy,” said Cde Muchinguri-Kashiri.
She noted that the party is fortunate to have the conference venue coincide with that of the Sanganai/Hlanganani/Kumbanayi World Tourism Expo, scheduled to take place from September 10 to 12 – a month prior to the conference.
“Apart from benefiting from venue developments intended for the Expo, the committee should also utilise the Expo as a trial run to assess the venue’s effectiveness and address any shortcomings before our conference commences. The committee must leverage on the Expo as a benchmark to measure and enhance our conference organisation.
“To showcase our party’s excellence and boost delegate enthusiasm, I propose introducing Presidential Provincial Party Cell
Registration Excellence Awards, recognising the top three provinces in this regard, effective from this forthcoming conference,” she said.
Cde Muchinguri-Kashiri emphasised that only approved delegates will be accredited to attend the conference, with approval being non-transferable.
“No unauthorised delegates or guests will be allowed, to avoid a repeat of last year’s challenges, where we struggled to cater for over 9 000 delegates, exceeding the approved 4 250,” she said.
“Apart from budgetary constraints, illegal delegates pose a significant security threat, bordering on infiltration. The approved number of delegates remains unchanged, as stipulated by the Politburo and Central Committee. We have drawn lessons from other regional political parties and even China, which, despite its massive population of 1,5 billion, limits its annual conference attendees to 1 500. For ZANU PF, exceeding 5 000 attendees will be a waste of resources, as smaller gatherings tend to foster more productive discussions. Consequently, we will have a lean attendance of about 4 000, comprising 2 500 delegates and additional attendees for the opening and closing sessions,” she said.
Regarding finances, Cde Muchinguri-Kashiri expressed gratitude to provinces that have deposited over US$50 000 and contributed food items.
“We are delighted that five provinces have exceeded party expectations, with some contributing US$100 000. Notably, Manicaland has donated US$300 000, with an additional US$270 000 expected. This demonstrates the host province’s organisational prowess and appreciation.
“The conference’s essential components — transport, food, and accommodation — are well in hand. Transport-wise, the sector has donated 20 buses to ferry attendees, while 48 additional buses have been secured through tenders awarded to Zupco and other operators. Accommodation will be conveniently located within Mutare, catering for provincial, Central Committee, and Politburo members. This proximity will minimise the risk of accidents,” she said.
Cde Muchinguri-Kashiri also announced that conference delegates will have the opportunity to visit the Chimoio Shrine in Mozambique.
“Given our proximity to Mozambique, we will arrange for delegates to visit the Chimoio Shrine. Manicaland played a significant role in the liberation struggle, and this shrine, being nearby, serves as a poignant reminder of our history.
Our independence was hard-won, and we must honour those who sacrificed their lives, whose graves are scattered across our neighbouring countries. “Manicaland was a crucial entry point into Mozambique, and we will create documentaries to tell the stories of our war veterans who made the ultimate sacrifice. This will remind our nation of our past, present, and future, as we strive towards Vision 2030 and safeguard our country.
“Manicaland is renowned for its bananas, pineapples, and thriving SME sector. We must provide these SMEs with a platform to showcase and sell their products to the 4 000 delegates, presenting a valuable opportunity for them to generate income. We are, not only interested in attracting large exhibitors, but also empowering SMEs, which currently drive 60 percent of our economy. ZANU PF’s policies acknowledge the vital role SMEs play, and we are committed to supporting them,” she said.
ZANU PF national spokesperson, Cde Chris Mutsvangwa said the conference’s timing is opportune, given Manicaland’s emerging prominence.
“For the first time in Zimbabwe’s trade history, Manicaland has become the main gateway for the region beyond the Limpopo River. Previously, trade relied on Durban, 2 000km away, resulting in significant inflation burdens.
However, thanks to President Mnangagwa’s policies, Manicaland has surpassed Beit Bridge as the primary gateway, indicating a bright future.
“With the shortest route to the sea being just 300km to Beira, Manicaland is poised to connect with the prosperous Asian region, including China, India, and the Middle East. This resurgence coincides with the President’s emphasis on value addition, particularly with the restoration of Zimbabwe’s steel sector.
The Manhize steel factory is now Sub-Saharan Africa’s largest modern integrated factory, with potential to surpass Egypt’s capacity,” he said.
Politburo members, Cdes Jacob Mudenda, Mutsvangwa, Munyaradzi Machacha, Patrick Chinamasa and Douglas Mahiya attended the tour together with
Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister, Dr Jenfan Muswere, Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Advocate Misheck
Mugadza, Central Committee member, Cde Shadreck Chipanga and provincial members led by chairman, Cde Tawanda Mukodza.
