ZANU PF overwhelmed by demand for party cards at ZITF, pledges expansion

THE ruling ZANU PF party has announced plans to scale up its membership card issuance points at the next Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) and other major exhibitions following an overwhelming response from the public at the just-ended 66th edition of the showcase.

The party’s Director of Information and Publicity, Farai Marapira, revealed that a total of 1,852 membership cards were issued to eager Zimbabweans during the week-long event held in Bulawayo.

Speaking to Zimpapers, Mr Marapira said the high demand caught the party’s structures by surprise, forcing a rethink ahead of future gatherings.

“We issued 1,852 cards at the ZITF, and this clearly shows that the people of Zimbabwe are yearning to formally affiliate with the revolutionary party. The numbers have told us that we must increase our capacity at the coming shows to accommodate more members,” said Mr Marapira.

The party had set up a modest desk at its exhibition stand in Hall 5, but queues quickly swelled as thousands of attendees sought to obtain or renew their membership. Officials described the scene as unprecedented for a non-election period.

Among those who finally secured their cards was Mrs Grace Ndlovu (48) from Njube, who said she had been a ZANU PF supporter for over a decade but never got round to formalising her membership.

“I have always voted for the party and attended rallies, but I never managed to get the card because the provincial offices were far. When I saw the desk at ZITF, I knew this was my chance. I am now a fully registered member,” she said.Mr Tendai Moyo (34), a cross-border trader from Bulawayo Central, echoed similar sentiments.

“Life has been busy with work, and I kept postponing registration. The ZITF convenience made it easy. I am proud to finally hold the card,” he said. Another beneficiary, Miss Chiedza Zhou (22), a first-time voter from Mpopoma, said the timing was perfect.

“I turned 21 last year and wanted to join officially. The ZITF desk was accessible and fast. I did not expect such efficiency,” she said.

With eyes already on the next edition, Mr Marapira confirmed that the party is considering deploying multiple mobile registration points across the exhibition grounds and at other major showcases such as the Harare Agricultural Show.

“The revolutionary party must be where the people are. We have heard their voice, and we are ready to expand,” he said.