Online Reporter
Joseph Madzimure
Zimpapers Politics Hub
ZANU PF has honoured its long-serving staffers, describing them as an indispensable engine room that drives the party’s administrative and operational success.
The dedicated cadres were honoured at a colourful ceremony presided over by ZANU PF secretary-general, Advocate Jacob Mudenda, at the party’s headquarters on Tuesday.
In his keynote address, Advocate Mudenda expressed profound gratitude to the party’s First Secretary, President Mnangagwa, for his vision in recognising the efforts of hardworking employees.
Commending the staff for their loyalty, he emphasised that the party’s political machinery relies on their technical expertise.
“Let me pay my deepest gratitude to our leader President Mnangagwa. When we presented to him the idea of saying thank you to the staff, he did not hesitate.
“He blessed it and said go ahead. Without his blessing, this moment would not have taken place,” said Advocate Mudenda.
He said that the service awards are a sincere expression of gratitude to the workforce.
“You are the engine that gives power to the operations of our revolutionary party. Without the staff, the politicians who compose the political part of the party cannot function without your expertise in running the offices. This is how important you are, the engine of the party. Now the engine must be oiled. It needs water for it to function effectively. And this is the oiling, this is the watering that we are planting today,” he said.
Among those celebrated was one of the party’s longest-serving employees, Cde Tobius Musendekwa, affectionately known as “Samora” by his peers, who has served for over 45 years.A veteran of the liberation struggle, Cde Musendekwa has dedicated his entire post-independence career to the party.
He was part of the inaugural cohort of employees when the party established its first headquarters, serving as a security officer, a role he maintains with pride to this day.
“At the inaugural official opening of the party office, I had the opportunity to work under the leadership of President Mnangagwa, who was then in charge of national security. As a security officer, I learned a great deal under his guidance,” said Cde Musendekwa.
Reflecting on his tenure, he said that he has never envisioned himself in any other vocation.
“I lived my life in service of my party, ZANU PF and the country with honour,” said Cde Musendekwa.
He further challenged the younger generation to remain disciplined and shun the scourge of drug and substance abuse. Born in Gutu in 1958, Cde Musendekwa joined the struggle in 1976, training in Tanzania and operating in the Gaza Province before ceasefire.
Another veteran staffer, Cde Alice Masengurudza, who was recognised for 30 years of service, expressed her joy at the gesture.
“The recognition comes from dedication and hard work. I began my journey with the party in 1995 as a security officer,” she said.
A war veteran herself, Cde Masengurudza urged the youth to embrace the spirit of Ubuntu and patriotism.
“Youth leaders should lead by example. They must prioritise love for their country. They need to understand that there is no other place they can truly call home except Zimbabwe,” she said.
Cde Luckmore Chadzingwa, who received an award for 20 years of service, commended President Mnangagwa for fostering a culture of appreciation within the party.
“I am proud to be an employee of the ruling party for so long. I urge the younger generation to embrace the opportunity of working for the revolutionary party,” said Cde Chadzingwa.
