Joseph Madzimure
Zimpapers Politics Hub
ZANU PF is targeting US$6 million from its Presidential Fundraising Dinner in Harare tonight, with the business community expected to support preparations for the party’s 23rd National People’s Conference.
The dinner, which starts at 5pm, will also provide a platform for business leaders to engage President Mnangagwa on their business ideas, aspirations and expectations.
Zanu PF Fundraising Committee chairman responsible for resource mobilisation, Cde Philip Chiyangwa, said there had been significant interest from businesses of different sizes in participating in the event.
“We are pleased to announce that there is significant interest from various business entities to participate in the Presidential Fundraising Dinner,” he said.
Cde Chiyangwa described the event as a legacy dinner celebrating President Mnangagwa’s achievements and providing an opportunity for the business community to interact directly with him.
“We are looking at businesses across the board, regardless of size. We want to give everyone an opportunity to come to the table, meet the President and discuss their aspirations and expectations.
“The success we are witnessing today is a result of the contributions people have made over time.
“Our President has taken those contributions and transformed them into the success story we see and read about every day,” he said.
Cde Chiyangwa said the fundraising committee had engaged members of the business community on table allocations and arrangements for the event.
He said fundraising targets would be informed by the party’s supporters and the contributions expected from businesses as preparations for the conference gathered pace.
“These targets are informed by those who support the party.
“We met as a fundraising committee to discuss various issues relating to fundraising, as well as other matters involving the party and its structures,” he said.
Cde Chiyangwa urged businesspeople across the country to support the conference, saying the party expected provincial structures and businesses to play their part in mobilising resources.
“We want members of the business community to come forward and celebrate with the President.
“In your respective provinces, please take note that, in the coming years, our offices expect you to play your part. We will establish the targets and expected contributions, and as we prepare the shortlist, we expect you to commit to attending and contributing towards the conference,” he said.
He said tickets would be available at the Hippodrome Conference Centre, in Harare, from 8am.
Cde Chiyangwa, who said he had served as the party’s fundraising chairman for the past 32 years, described the dinner as an opportunity to celebrate the President’s leadership and achievements.
The conference, scheduled for Chinhoyi from October 12 to 17, will bring together party delegates to deliberate on resolutions and the party’s development agenda.
