Online Reporter
Zimpapers Reporters
THE ruling Zanu-PF members countrywide yesterday convened at their cell structures to mark the revolutionary’s party’s National Cell Day, a cell membership verification exercise, an initiative party officials say is aimed at strengthening grassroots structures and improving organisational efficiency.
The exercise, conducted at cell level, forms part of a broader nationwide effort by the party to audit and update its membership records while mobilising new supporters ahead of future political programmes and campaigns.
Running under the theme, “Advancing Vision 2030 through vibrant cell structures,” the event serves as a strategic pillar for the party’s visibility, unity and organisational depth.
In the Matabeleland region the exercise went well, with various party members expressing excitement at the party’s growth as shown by the number of cells that were being confirmed.
Members of the ruling party in Bulawayo described the process as orderly and well attended, with participation cutting across age groups.
According to Zanu-PF Bulawayo Province Secretary for Administration Cde Raymond Mutomba, the turnout was good, with more youths visible at the cell meetings due to the appreciation of the leadership and vision of President Mnangagwa.
He said the President’s leadership has opened doors for young people who want to contribute to the economy, not only for their own benefit but for the country’s.
“The youth are the next generation and the conduit to take the party further. We are happy with their involvement.
“Seeing more and more youth voluntarily joining Zanu-PF is a milestone achievement. They are seeing the beauty of the party, and they’re ready to take up opportunities as Zanu-PF is full of opportunities,” said Cde Mutomba.
Bulawayo Greens District chairperson Cde Tendai Charuka, said the exercise had been met with enthusiasm from both existing members and new recruits.
“We are happy to hold our cell verification process. We recorded more than 26 cell groups and more than 322 new members, who appreciate the works of our President, Cde Mnangagwa,” said Cde Charuka.
He said the turnout reflected growing confidence in the party’s leadership and policy direction, particularly at community level, where party programmes are often most visible.
According to Cde Charuka, the steady rise in membership was an indication that the party’s message continued to resonate with residents in the district.
Cde Charuka added that strong and functional grassroots structures were essential to ensuring effective communication between party leadership and ordinary citizens.
He said cell-level organisation remained the backbone of the party, enabling communities to actively participate in development initiatives and political processes.
Zanu-PF Shadow Member of Parliament for Luveve/Emakhandeni Constituency, Cde Brian Samuriwo said the exercise was a success.
“In addition to the existing members we have recruited more members to join Zanu-PF. For example in cells six and seven in Luveve we managed to recruit over 60 new members.
“President Mnangagwa gave us a mandate to grow the party and we are doing just that here in the Luveve/Emakhandeni constituency,” said Cde Samuriwo.
Zanu-PF members across Matabeleland North Province also convened at their cell structures to mark the National Cell Day.
Provincial Chairman Cde Richard Moyo confirmed the widespread participation, saying the activity was crucial for consolidating the party’s foundation.
“The entire province saw members of the party convening at their cell structures.
“This exercise focused on strengthening grassroots structures through intensified membership recruitment and the verification and updating of the party database,” he said.
Cde Moyo, who is also the Matabeleland North Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, attended his cell at Mandalay in Umguza District said there is renewed focus for the year ahead.
“As the New Year commences, we want to focus on recruiting from the grassroots for people,” he said.
He said the initiative underscores the party’s drive to strengthen its structures from the community level upward.
In Beitbridge District, Matabeleland South, scores of Zanu-PF party members thronged various centres to verify their membership status.
The party’s Provincial Deputy Chairman Cde Albert Nguluvhe, who is also the Matabeleland South Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution led the proceedings in Beitbridge.
He called for party representatives to go out in their numbers and woo more members to the party.
Cde Nguluvhe said the cell verification was critical in taking stock of the party structures.
He said party members should embrace the process.
“This is a very critical process we are carrying out as a party. It enables us to see the state of affairs on the ground and make adjustments where necessary.
“We need to build on what we have and register more members in our structures. This is a continuous programme,” said Cde Nguluvhe.
