Online Reporter
Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu, [email protected]
THE Zanu-PF Matabeleland South leadership has called for continued unity and discipline among party members as the province steps up preparations for the ruling party’s 23rd National People’s Conference, which is expected to provide a key platform for shaping the country’s development agenda.
Speaking recently at a provincial inter-district meeting in Umzingwane District, Zanu-PF Matabeleland South provincial chairman Cde Nqobizitha Mangaliso Ndlovu, who is also Minister of Industry and Commerce, urged party members to preserve the spirit of unity demonstrated during the province’s coordination of the national Independence celebrations.
Cde Ndlovu said the unity displayed during the celebrations should continue to guide the party’s work as it prepares for the national conference.
The meeting also provided an opportunity for party structures to review their performance, assess development programmes and deliberate on resolutions to be taken to the national conference.
The state of the party and preparations for the upcoming conference were also discussed as the province seeks to consolidate its structures and maintain cohesion ahead of the key gathering.
“As we gather here for our inter-district conference, we should continue with the spirit of unity that we demonstrated when we were coordinating the Independence celebrations,” said Cde Ndlovu.
“We want to thank you all for that. As we prepare for our conference in Mashonaland West, we must carry on with unity.
“We have seen what we can do and the progress we can record if we are united. The National People’s Conference is a crucial platform where the party, which is Government, makes resolutions and decisions that are crucial to the country’s development. We, therefore, have to forge ahead with one mind and one motive of developing our country,” he said.
Cde Ndlovu said besides the successful hosting of the 46th National Independence celebrations, other major achievements recorded by the province as a result of being united include support for Constitutional Amendment Bill Number 3 and efforts to help returnees integrate into society.
The 23rd Zanu-PF National People’s Conference is scheduled for 12 to 17 October 2026.
Also speaking during the same meeting, Matabeleland South Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Albert Nguluvhe, called for discipline among party members, particularly in relation to access to mines and farms
He said his office remains open and accessible to party members, communities and other stakeholders. Minister Nguluvhe said where challenges arise, members should make use of the appropriate party and Government channels to seek assistance and a solution.
He also urged leadership at all levels to uphold discipline, unity, responsible leadership and respect the law, as this is crucial to the province’s development.
“I’m concerned by the tendency by some individuals who rush to mining areas whenever reports of new gold discoveries emerge, sometimes attempting to use political influence to interfere with existing mining operations or unlawfully take over mining claims,” he said.
“Political position or influence must never be used as a licence to disregard the law or infringe upon the legitimate rights of others. Mining activities must be undertaken within the laws and regulations governing the sector.
“My office will, therefore, work with the relevant authorities to ensure that lawful mining rights are respected and that individuals who attempt to unlawfully seize or interfere with mining claims are dealt with in accordance with the law.”
Matabeleland South is endowed with vast mineral resources, which must contribute towards employment creation, community empowerment, economic growth and the broader development of the province and country.
Minister Nguluvhe also called on party structures and communities to strengthen their participation in the fight against drug and substance abuse, saying the scourge threatens young people, families, communities and the country’s development aspirations.
“We want our people, particularly youths and women, to participate meaningfully and lawfully in the mining value chain.
“We must collectively discourage drug abuse, strengthen awareness and support Government’s efforts to address the challenge,” he said.
“As party members and leaders, we must lead by example. Discipline, respect for the law, hard work and responsible leadership must remain at the centre of everything we do. Together, we must continue working for a peaceful, productive and prosperous Matabeleland South Province, leaving no one and no place behind,” said Minister Nguluvhe. — @DubeMatutu
