Online Reporter
Samuel Kadungure
News Editor
IN a thunderous display of revolutionary discipline, ZANU PF Manicaland convened its inaugural 2026 Provincial Inter-District Conference at Mutare Teachers’ College last Saturday, which reviewed programmes, strengthened structures, and mobilised support ahead of National Cell Day scheduled for tomorrow (Saturday).
Held in accordance with Article 12, Section 141 of the party constitution, the conference drew delegates from every district, united in purpose and committed to development, constitutional mandates, and national progress.
Discussions centred on assessing party programmes, projects, and matters referred by the Central Committee.
Leadership changes preceded proceedings, with Mutasa Central legislator, Cde Innocent Benza co-opted as provincial vice-chairman, while Cde Judith Shadaya assumed his former role as provincial secretary for legal affairs.
ZANU PF Politburo member and national secretary for finance, Cde Patrick Chinamasa, praised the province for a constructive conference focused on development rather than internal disputes.
He welcomed progress on Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3 (CAB3), urged unity, stressed the need to refine primary election processes, and called for the dualisation of the Mutare–Harare Highway in response to rapid growth at Forbes Border Post.
Cde Chinamasa also outlined plans to digitise party administration as national membership approaches four million, underscoring the importance of modernisation in sustaining organisational efficiency.
ZANU PF provincial chairman, Cde Tawanda Mukodza, announced that key provincial vacancies had been successfully filled, reinforcing organisational stability.
He applauded the First Lady, Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa’s programmes that continue to uplift women and girls, underscoring their transformative impact across communities.
Cde Mukodza further called for transparent and fair primary elections in Mutare Ward Three, stressing the importance of credibility in internal processes.
He urged leaders to account for opposition resistance to Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3 (CAB3) in certain districts, highlighting the need for vigilance and collective responsibility.
Celebrating the Bill’s recent passage through Parliament and Senate with overwhelming support, he credited party structures for mobilising grassroots backing, and described the development as a significant victory for ZANU PF and the national development agenda.
Cde Tawanda Mukodza highlighted that district-wide consultations had overwhelmingly endorsed President Mnangagwa’s leadership and Vision 2030, reflecting the people’s confidence in the revolutionary course charted by the Second Republic.
He applauded empowerment initiatives and the developmental transformation unfolding across Manicaland, describing them as clear evidence of seamless cooperation between the party and Government in advancing citizens’ welfare.
Issuing a stern reminder, Cde Mukodza stressed that discipline remains the cornerstone of the party.
He cautioned that members who undermine collective resolutions, denounce agreed positions, or attack party leadership would be held accountable under the party’s constitution, principles, and disciplinary procedures.
He commended Manicaland legislators for standing firm in Parliament and voting in support of Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3 (CAB3), securing its passage and reinforcing the province’s reputation as a bastion of unity and revolutionary consciousness.
Cde Mukodza appealed to Cde Chinamasa to convey a message of loyalty and gratitude to President Mnangagwa, affirming that Manicaland has stood with him throughout his political journey, and remains steadfastly committed to advancing his vision.
He expressed the province’s determination to continue serving under the President’s guidance up to 2030, ensuring continuity in the implementation of his policies, programmes, and developmental aspirations.
He urged members to remain focused on service delivery, unity, and mobilisation, emphasising that the time for internal contests and positions has not yet arrived.
Cde Mukodza reminded delegates that leadership processes will unfold at the appropriate time through established democratic procedures, and called on all members to remain united behind the party and its leadership.
“We did our PEC and Provincial inter-district conference, drumming up support towards the National Cell Day, whereby we met the whole leadership from the districts, who are going to mobilise the villages and the cells. Manicaland is ready, each and every corner of the province is mobilising for the National Cell Day. Every party member, including the leadership, is expected to be at his or her own cell, or village. There is also a team that is going to supervise the implementation of these cells, which is going to rove across districts just to have spot checks, and assess how effective it will be. All the DCCs are ready, and they have assured us that they will mobilise,” said Cde Mukodza.
“Cde Benza was elevated to be my deputy, and the position of provincial secretary for legal affairs was taken by Cde Shadaya. The provincial inter-district conference is a constitutional requirement. We should have two per year, and this was the first for 2026. We will do the second one before the conference. We were checking at the progress we have made from January 2026 to date – cell building, cell verification, and also majored on the most important factor, which is moving now, CAB 3, and also the National Cell Day,” he said.
Minister of State for Manicaland Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Advocate Misheck Mugadza, presented a comprehensive State of Provincial Affairs Report highlighting investment, service delivery, and economic progress across the province.
The report outlined US$59 million in new investments and detailed advances in irrigation development, health services, energy generation, border infrastructure, and drug rehabilitation programmes. Advocate Mugadza emphasised that close cooperation between the party and Government had enabled Manicaland to secure second place in national performance contracts, a testament to effective leadership and delivery.
Politburo member, Cde Supa Mandiwanzira, commended the strong performance of the women’s and youth leagues, while urging leaders to champion larger development projects that can transform the province.
He expressed concern over delays in upgrading the Mutare Flyover, and called on the leadership to prioritise transformative infrastructure initiatives capable of unlocking regional economic growth.
Women’s League provincial chairperson, Cde Dorothy Mabika, reported notable achievements by the women’s league, including success at the national cookout competition in Kwekwe.
She announced preparations for the upcoming Inter-District Women’s League meeting and raised concerns over alleged irregularities and double allocations in land administration, underscoring the need for transparency and accountability in resource management.
War Veterans League chairperson, Cde Linda Mathathu, expressed gratitude to President Mnangagwa for empowerment funding and borehole drilling initiatives that have uplifted communities. She appealed for urgent intervention to halt the repossession of land belonging to war veterans’ widows and children, stressing the need to safeguard their legacy. Cde Mathathu also advocated for the establishment of a dedicated provincial office and specialised training programmes linked to borehole drilling projects, aimed at enhancing self-reliance and skills development.
Youth League chairperson, Cde Stanley Sakupwanya, reported steady progress in youth empowerment programmes across Manicaland. He highlighted the acquisition of two buses now operating between Harare and Mutare as a milestone achievement, and welcomed the youth quota provisions introduced through Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3 (CAB3), describing them as a landmark victory for young people’s representation and participation in national development.
Ends
