Ranga Mataire and Walter Nyamukondiwa
PRESIDENT Mnangagwa today leads the official opening of the 23rd Zanu PF National People’s Conference in Chinhoyi, Mashonaland West Province, where the party is set to chart an aggressive course to translate policy resolutions into tangible, ground-breaking results.
The high-stakes gathering runs until tomorrow at Chinhoyi University of Technology (CUT).
It comes as the party seeks to consolidate economic development and deepen local empowerment in pursuit of Vision 2030.
The event kicked off with a Politburo meeting on Tuesday, followed by a Central Committee meeting on Wednesday at the party’s headquarters in Harare.
Delegates flooded into Chinhoyi yesterday for today’s official opening and tomorrow’s closing ceremony.
In his keynote address at the 398th Ordinary Politburo meeting, President Mnangagwa declared: “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 the events wrapped up ahead of schedule.
Delegates from across the country arrived in Chinhoyi yesterday.
A convoy of vehicles of delegates make way into the Chinhoyi University of Technology yesterday evening as thousands converge in Chinhoyi for the 23rd Zanu PF National People’s Conference.
Zanu PF spokesperson Ambassador Christopher Mutsvangwa confirmed they were ready for a memorable conference.
“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.
Amb Mutsvangwa emphasised that 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 Amb Mutsvangwa.
Zanu PF Mashonaland West provincial chairperson Cde Mary Mliswa-Chikoka said the province was perfectly primed to host the conference.
“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 solidarity messages from international diplomats and representatives of sister liberation movements from across the continent and beyond.
Solidarity speeches will follow President Mnangagwa’s address.
Tomorrow, the President will commission several major provincial projects. These include 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 housing 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.
Delegates praised the host province for its exceptional hospitality and organization. Cde Ephanos Mudzimunyi said Mashonaland West did an excellent job accommodating delegates. Cde John Manhambara described the welcome as superb and looks forward to a memorable conference. Attendees from Matabeleland South, Mashonaland East, and Mashonaland Central also expressed immense satisfaction with the facilities.
Preparations in Chinhoyi included rapid road rehabilitation, improved water supplies, and city beautification. Meanwhile, exhibitors have been setting up booths at the CUT venue.
Zanu PF secretary for Security Cde Lovemore Matuke confirmed that tight security arrangements are in place. Only accredited delegates will be allowed into the 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.”
