Ranga Mataire and Walter Nyamukondiwa Zimpapers Reporters
PRESIDENT Mnangagwa today leads the opening of the 23rd Zanu PF National People’s
Conference in Chinhoyi, where the party is expected to chart a course for translating its resolutions into tangible development results.
The gathering, running until tomorrow at Chinhoyi University of Technology (CUT), comes as the party seeks to consolidate economic development and deepen empowerment in pursuit of Vision 2030.
The conference started with a Politburo meeting on Tuesday followed by a Central Committee meeting on Wednesday at the revolutionary party’s headquarters in Harare.
Delegates then moved to Chinhoyi yesterday for the official opening today and tomorrow’s closing ceremony.
In his keynote address at the 398th Ordinary Politburo meeting, President Mnangagwa said,
“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,” he said.
Preparations for today and tomorrow’s events were completed ahead of schedule, with delegates from across the country arriving in Chinhoyi yesterday as the usually quiet city came alive with increased activity and a heightened police presence to manage traffic and maintain order.
In an interview yesterday, Zanu-PF spokesperson Ambassador Christopher Mutsvangwa said they were ready to have a memorable conference in Chinhoyi.
“The National Chairperson (Cde Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri) and her team have done a fantastic job.
“She has been working tirelessly to ensure that everything proceeds smoothly.
“We expect the formidable Zanu-PF machinery to deliver another successful conference, where delegates will discuss the Government’s work, commend achievements and offer counsel where improvements are needed,” he said.
Ambassador Mutsvangwa said the party’s focus remained “firmly on delivering growth and prosperity”.
“As a revolutionary party, we believe in delivering results rather than merely theorising. The stability and certainty brought by Zanu-PF are important because businesses need a predictable environment in which to operate and invest.
“The President has demonstrated his capabilities, and the party is firmly behind him. His stature has grown nationally, and our attention is now focused on unity within the party so that we can deliver on our mandate of growth and prosperity,” said Ambassador Mutsvangwa.
Zanu-PF Mashonaland West provincial chairperson Cde Mary Mliswa-Chikoka said the province was ready to host the conference, with arrangements in place to receive and accommodate delegates.
“As Mashonaland West Province, we are ready for the 23rd National People’s Conference here at
CUT,” she said.
“All systems are on go, delegates are coming in and we are making sure that they are settled and all the issues are dealt with, if there are any.”
Today’s programme includes the attendance of diplomats and representatives of sister liberation movements from across the continent and outside, with solidarity speeches scheduled after
President Mnangagwa’s address.
Tomorrow, the President is expected to commission several projects in the province, including an oxygen plant and solar plant at Chinhoyi Provincial Hospital, Trabablas Vine City, Mining Industry
Pension Fund student accommodation, a Telehealth Centre and refurbished student accommodation at CUT.
“We’re excited, the energy is there, there’s a buzz in the air and you know it’s all systems go,” said Cde Mliswa-Chikoka.
She said delegates from other provinces were pleased with their reception and the arrangements made for the gathering.
Delegates commended the host province for its hospitality and organisation.
Cde Ephanos Mudzimunyi said Mashonaland West had done well in accommodating delegates, while Cde John Manhambara described the welcome as superb and said he expected a memorable conference in Chinhoyi.
Delegates from Matabeleland South, Mashonaland East and Mashonaland Central also expressed satisfaction with the organisation and facilities.
Preparations in Chinhoyi have included road rehabilitation, improvements to water supplies and the beautification of the city, while exhibitors have been setting up at the CUT venue.
Zanu-PF Secretary for Security Cde Lovemore Matuke said security arrangements were in place, adding that only accredited delegates would be allowed into the conference venue.
“Everything is now in place and delegates are arriving.
“We estimate that about 70 percent had arrived as of this afternoon (yesterday) but the remaining
30 percent should have arrived by around 6pm,” said Cde Matuke.
“People have been accommodated and everything is going on smoothly for a successful conference.
We are very strict on the issue of accreditation for delegates.”
