Samuel Kadungure
News Editor
WITH the 23rd ZANU PF National People’s Conference just days away, the Manicaland provincial leadership has intensified preparations, surpassing its fundraising target, reinforcing grassroots structures and cracking down on indiscipline.
ZANU PF Manicaland provincial chairman, Cde Tawanda Mukodza on Wednesday, confirmed that the province surpassed its financial targets and collected substantial food donations to support the national gathering.
“We have reached out to members, and the fundraising target has surpassed US$80 000. We surpassed our fundraising target for the conference, both financially and in terms of foodstuffs, thanks to unwavering support from our members, business community and well-wishers across Manicaland,” said Cde Mukodza, emphasising that strict adherence to constitutional obligations — including co-option procedures, scheduled meetings, disciplinary hearings and recruitment — remains central to internal party democracy and organisational stability.
Cde Mukodza said proper co-option processes prevent factionalism and ensure vacancies are filled transparently across cell, branch, district and provincial levels.
“Adherence to co-option procedures ensures that vacancies are filled legitimately and transparently, preventing factional imposition. Holding required meetings as stipulated in the party constitution – from cell and branch to district and provincial levels – guarantees collective decision-making, accountability and timely communication of policy,” he said.
Cde Mukodza said systematic recruitment continues to expand the party’s grassroots reach, bringing in new members from opposition parties such as Zanu Ndonga and Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC).
“We continue to receive new members from Zanu Ndonga and CCC, who have officially joined ZANU PF. We are always bringing new people to the party. The party grows every day. It expands the grassroots base, infuses new ideas and energy, and ensures generational continuity,” he said.
Addressing internal governance, Cde Mukodza said the provincial disciplinary committee, headed by his deputy, Professor Innocent Benza, is up to date, having resolved two provincial cases and referred a third to the national leadership. “We do not have any outstanding disciplinary issues. Disciplinary measures are not necessarily punitive, but corrective. We seek to correct certain misdemeanours, not to punish individuals. But by and large, the party must stand on solid discipline to operate as an effective institution with one agreed direction and pace,” he said.
Regarding structural readiness, Cde Mukodza acknowledged that while no political organisation maintains 100 percent completion, key leadership gaps in Makoni, Zimunya-Marange, Chipinge and Mutasa have been filled through vetted co-options.
“According to our latest report, the majority of our structures are up to date. Those who conducted co-options settled for individuals who bring value and enhance the standing of the party in all facets,” he said.
Shifting to the 2026/27 farming season, Cde Mukodza urged farmers to leverage current rainfall to expedite land preparation for the upcoming summer cropping season.
Cde Mukodza advised farmers to consult Government agricultural extension officers regarding suitable crop varieties and techniques in light of predicted El Nino-induced dry conditions. Cde Mukodza added that Government agencies will oversee the distribution of Pfumvudza inputs to guarantee equitable access and prevent misuse. “Government systems will monitor and distribute Pfumvudza inputs, not the party, because it is directly the Government’s responsibility. The President wants the inputs to reach the intended beneficiaries. Everyone should benefit. Those who abuse the President’s inputs will face the music,” he said.
ZANU PF Manicaland ready for 23rd conference
