Zanu-PF conference roars into life

search of solutions to challenges facing the country.
The party’s leadership is upbeat that they will emerge stronger after the conference, ready to defeat opponents at the polls at the end of the inclusive Government that has outlived its lifespan. All logistics were in place by late yesterday, with the party’s leadership expressing satisfication with the preparations.
Zanu-PF national spokesperson Cde Rugare Gumbo said there were no changes to the initial programme.
“President Mugabe is going to officially open the conference tomorrow (today) and close it on Saturday. I think the party is going to emerge stronger. We expect the President to guide us. There will be candid debate during conference and it is expected to come up with a number of solutions,” he said.
“Yes, there has been debate that some previous conference resolutions were not implemented, but this time it will be different.”
Cde Gumbo said the party was worried by Copac’s delay in finishing the constitution-making process that was now behind schedule. He said the conference will resolve that Copac should speed up the process.
“We are calling for the speedy completion of the constitution-making process, holding of the referendum after the process and then have harmonised elections early next year,” he said.
The President recently expressed concern over the delay by Copac, saying the process was now being used as a money-making venture.
Although the drafting of the new constitution started on Monday, Cde Gumbo said Zanu-PF was not impressed with the progress.
“We have realised that other parties are no longer interested in the elections and they are hiding behind the issue of completing the new constitution,” he said.
“We know they are enjoying being in the inclusive Government. They are deliberately delaying the process . . . the West also does not want the elections.
“These conference resolutions will be relevant and we are going to implement them.”
Cde Gumbo said the conference will discuss the state of the agriculture sector with Agriculture, Mechanisation and Irrigation Development Minister Joseph Made addressing delegates on the state of preparedness for this season. He said Youth Development, Indigenisation and Empowerment Minister Saviour Kasukuwere will speak on the implementation of the indigenisation programme.
The theme of the conference touches on indigenisation. Cde Gumbo said the conference will also discuss food security amid reports of food shortages in some parts of the country.
“We have reports of food shortages in some parts of the country and we are going to discuss what the Government can do,” he said.