Online Reporter
Conrad Mupesa-Mashonaland West Bureau
ZANU PF Mashonaland West has raised more than US$560 000 in cash and pledges, surpassing its US$300 000 target towards preparations for the party’s 23rd National People’s Conference to be held in Chinhoyi in October.
A fundraising dinner, organised by the province, was held at an upmarket hotel in Harare on Friday and brought together business executives, prominent farmers, mining players and other stakeholders.
The conference is scheduled for October 12 to 17 in Chinhoyi.
Zanu PF Central Committee member and Senator-designate Dr Kudakwashe Tagwirei, who was guest of honour, pledged US$100 000.
Politburo members and provincial politicians Cdes Ziyambi Ziyambi, Christopher Mutsvangwa, Douglas Mombeshora, Polite Kambamura and Vangelis Haritatos collectively pledged US$50 000.
Cde Monica Mutsvangwa donated US$10 000 in cash towards preparations for the conference.
Pinnacle Holdings, owned by businessman Philip Chiyangwa, Geo Pomona and CAG were among companies that also made financial contributions during the dinner.
CAG further pledged 50 cattle towards the successful hosting of the conference.
In a speech read on his behalf by Sakunda Holding Group chief operations officer, Mr Charles Chitambo, Dr Tagwirei said Zimbabwe’s development required unity and partnerships among Government, business, communities, professionals and other sectors.
He said Government could not transform the economy on its own, calling for stronger collaboration between established companies, emerging businesses, universities, financial institutions, entrepreneurs and innovation hubs.
“The party cannot build the economy on its own, Government cannot build the economy alone, business, professionals and communities cannot build the economy alone. We must build together, hence this fundraising dinner for the conference,” he said.
Dr Tagwirei said every citizen, including workers and miners, had a role to play in national development, with young people needing to be encouraged to participate in innovation, technology and research.
He called for increased partnerships between Zimbabwean businesses and regional and international partners, particularly in areas such as mining, technology and innovation.
“Government and small enterprises need regional and international partnerships that can move Africa forward and make Africa stronger,” he said.
Dr Tagwirei also challenged established businesspeople and professionals to mentor the younger generation, saying the transfer of knowledge and experience was critical to Zimbabwe’s future economic development.
“One of the greatest investments we can make is investment in people. Those who have succeeded have a responsibility to open doors for those who are coming up,” he said.
Dr Tagwirei urged successful entrepreneurs to share their experiences, including failures and lessons learnt, while using their networks to create opportunities for emerging businesspeople.
“Leadership should not be about creating competition. Leadership should be about creating role models and developing others,” he said.
“The greatest measure of successful leadership is not how many people you can put ahead of others, but how many people you develop, empower and help to succeed. That is the true measure of leadership.”
Zanu PF Secretary for Information and Publicity Cde Christopher Mutsvangwa said Mashonaland West had a tradition of leading by example, dating back to the First and Second Chimurenga.
“We are going to host the best conference ever in the history of the ruling party. Mashonaland West has a history of leading by example. Renowned heroes and heroines of the First and Second Chimurenga hailed from Mashonaland West,” he said.
Cde Mutsvangwa said the province’s level of preparedness demonstrated its determination to successfully host the conference.
National fundraising committee chairman and Zanu PF central committee member, Dr Phillip Chiyangwa, confirmed that the province had managed to surpass other non-monetary requirements, including cattle, chickens, mealie-meal and rice, among other needs, adding that the fundraising dinner was putting the province in a positive spot for the event.
Zanu PF Mashonaland West provincial chairperson Cde Mary Mliswa-Chikoka said the province’s relationship with the business and industry fraternity remained one of its major strengths.
“Across mining, agriculture, tourism, manufacturing, construction, financial services and many other sectors, we have strategic partners whose investment and activity contribute enormously to the development of this province,” she said.
Cde Mliswa-Chikoka said the conference presented Mashonaland West with an opportunity not only to fulfil its organisational responsibilities but also to showcase its people, businesses, investment opportunities and capacity to host major national events.
“The province has extraordinary potential, blessed with rich agricultural land, mineral resources, tourism assets, major industries, growing urban centres and communities whose resilience continues to shape its progress,” she said.
Provincial Women’s League Secretary for Administration Cde Magrene Chidarikire said the fundraising dinner was aimed at mobilising financial support for the conference while strengthening relations between the party and the business community.
She said the business sector continued to play an important role in the development of Mashonaland West.
