Online Reporter
Samuel Kadungure
News Editor
ZANU PF Manicaland has successfully verified 80 percent of its cell and village structures, authenticating its grassroots membership, and paving the way for a comprehensive and automated database of the provincial membership.
The ruling party is reassessing its cells to eliminate dubious structures that could disenfranchise thousands of party supporters and stakeholders in the province.
The verification exercise took place over the weekend, with verified registers expected to be forwarded to the party headquarters by the end of the week.
ZANU PF provincial chairman, Cde Tawanda Mukodza said the remaining 20 percent, located in hard-to-reach areas, will be finalised soon.
Cde Mukodza said the party will utilise the cell registers as polling station voters’ rolls, making the exercise extremely crucial.
He also described the cell and village structures as the vanguard of the party, representing its interests and aspirations at the grassroots level.
“We have witnessed significant progress in some areas, as individuals previously left out have been incorporated into the party cells, thereby expanding the party’s membership. Our numbers are increasing, the party is growing, and new members are joining. I can confidently guarantee that, in the event of any elections, we will decisively triumph over the opposition throughout the province.
“This exercise has also provided us with an opportunity to update our party structures on the current party setup and remind them of the forthcoming 22nd Annual National People’s Conference, scheduled to take place in Manicaland in October,” said Cde Mukodza.
He underscored the significance of authentic party grassroots structures, contrasting them with dubious ones.
“Genuine structures are the backbone of the party, ensuring its stability and effectiveness. In contrast, dubious structures undermine the party’s integrity, creating confusion and disorganisation. It is imperative that we maintain authentic, transparent, and accountable structures to safeguard the party’s interests.
“To date, we have successfully verified 80 percent of the structures, and we are pleased that the process unfolded smoothly without any incidents. It is evident that people have a deep affection for their party. We are also impressed by the humility and honesty displayed by the Central Committee members, who led the process in collaboration with the District Coordinating Committee members.
“The party is vibrant and active on the ground, with leadership actively mobilising support. This verification exercise has demonstrated the party’s strength and resilience, showcasing our ability to organise and mobilise our membership. The enthusiasm and dedication displayed by our members are testaments to the party’s enduring popularity,” said Cde Mukodza. He said the conference will be decentralised in line with Government’s devolution thrust, and pledged to deliver a seamless event that reinforces unity, strengthens grassroots mobilisation efforts, and exhibits commitment to achieving party goals and Vision 2030.
“We plan to decentralise the conference from Mutare, and we have recommended two districts to the party leadership for consideration – Zimunya-Marange and Nyanga. We aim to look beyond Mutare, which often hosts the President, and consider districts that have not hosted him, allowing him to visit all corners of the province,” said Cde Mukodza, adding that they want the President to visit all corners of the province, engaging with the people directly.
“Each district must be given the opportunity to host and meet the President. To achieve this, we are considering decentralising the conference. Ultimately, the decision on which district will host the conference rests with the party leadership. This approach will enable us to bring Resolution Number 1 directly to the grassroots. We cannot allow one or two districts to monopolise hosting the President, ensuring a more inclusive and equitable approach,” he said.
Politburo member, Cde Mike Bimha launched the verification of the party’s village and cell structures last Friday, and appointed Central Committee members to spearhead the process outside their respective districts, in collaboration with District Coordination Committees.
He said the exercise aims to establish well-founded and verifiable cell structures, facilitating the efficient execution of various party activities.
The verified data will be computerised, creating an automated database that will enable the party to disseminate information to members nationwide efficiently.
Cde Bimha emphasised that accurate membership data is crucial for party programmes, including subscription payments.
