Online Reporter
Joseph Madzimure, Zimpapers Politics Hub
PREPARATIONS for hosting a successful 22nd Zanu-PF Annual People’s Conference in Manicaland is progressing well, with focus centred on the state of the economy in line with Vision 2030, Zanu-PF spokesperson Cde Christopher Mutsvangwa has said.
The conference, slated for Mutare Polytechnic from October 13 to 18, will focus on achieving vision 2030.
To date, the ruling party has raised an impressive US$300 000 and 200 beasts, in addition to goats, pigs, and tonnes of grain, courtesy of its dedicated cadres from the province.
The ruling party aims to raise a minimum of US$1 million towards the conference, and is yet to approach its major donors, both within the province and nationwide.
Speaking at a Press conference in Harare yesterday, Cde Mutsvangwa said the conference will focus on the state of the economy and improving the livelihoods of the general public.
“We are in the season of our conference with the dates already set. We are hardly two months away from the party conference. This is an important event on the calendar of the party,” he stated.
He said deliberations will also focus on the engagement and re-engagement drive to stimulate the growth of the economy.
He highlighted that it presents an opportunity for the province to demonstrate its capacity to host large-scale events and showcase its vibrancy.
Most of the issues to be discussed would revolve around the implementation of Government programmes and policies.
Zanu-PF, he said will use its annual conference to locate the over-arching need to support, revitalise and recalibrate the country’s manufacturing sector, with members sticking to high levels of discipline and unity in line with the party values and ethos as they execute their duties
He stated that the deliberations will focus on an engagement and re-engagement drive aimed at stimulating economic growth.
This, he said presents an opportunity for the province to showcase its capacity to host large-scale events and highlight its vibrancy.
“Most discussions will be centred around the implementation of Government programmes and policies,” stated Cde Mutsvangwa.
Additionally, he said Zanu-PF will use its annual conference to emphasise the critical need to support, revitalise, and recalibrate the country’s manufacturing sectors. The conference was previously held in Gweru, recognised as the cradle of Zanu-PF’s militant roots, where the late national hero, Cde Ndabaningi Sithole, led the party.
Last year, it took place in Bulawayo, honouring the legacy of Father Zimbabwe, the late Vice President Dr Joshua Nkomo.
“This year, we return to the province that significantly advanced the liberation struggle, which is Manicaland,” he said.
Thousands of youths crossed into Mozambique through Manicaland to join the fight.
He emphasised that the party will honour heroes from Manicaland, among them Cdes Herbert Chitepo, William Ndangana, Ndabaningi Sithole among others.
Manicaland is vital for the re-alignment of the Zimbabwean economy. “Exporters are now facing lower costs to obtain goods at the Port of Beira, and the future of commerce in Southern Africa will rely on the Manica-Mozambique routes. “We are celebrating both the contribution of Manicaland to the liberation struggle and its history of modern commerce,” he added.
“The integration of the economies and the restoration of the Eastern gates via Manicaland and Mozambique as a corridor for global trade is significant. This is why we will celebrate the conference in Mutare this year,” he said. Cde Mutsvangwa highlighted that during the liberation struggle in the 1970s, Manicaland intensified the war efforts, prompting the President’s decision to hold the conference there to honour its contributions.
Sidumisile Mabena