Conrad Mupesa
Mashonaland West Bureau
THE 23rd Zanu PF National People’s Conference walkathon was launched in Norton yesterday, with participants combining the journey to Chinhoyi with an environmental clean-up campaign and tree-planting ahead of the ruling party’s annual gathering.
The walkathon team, which is travelling from Norton to Chinhoyi University of Technology (CUT), the venue of this year’s conference, is expected to arrive at the university grounds on Thursday ahead of the official opening of the conference on Friday.
The initiative is part of activities leading to the 23rd National People’s Conference, which is expected to bring together more than 7 000 delegates, party leaders and other stakeholders in Chinhoyi from October 12 to 17.
The conference comes as Mashonaland West intensifies preparations to host the national event, with infrastructure improvements, logistical arrangements and environmental initiatives forming part of the activities surrounding the gathering.
The walkathon launch brought together party members, Government officials and other stakeholders, who conducted a clean-up at Karina Shopping Centre in Norton before planting trees at the Department of Roads yard along the Norton-Murombedzi (Robert Mugabe) Road.
The team stopped at Kutama Business Centre, the home area of the late former President Cde Robert Mugabe, for another clean-up exercise.
Speaking to the media after the activities and the send-off of participants, Zanu-PF Mashonaland West provincial chairperson Senator Mary Mliswa-Chikoka said the initiative demonstrated the party’s commitment to environmental protection.
“As we send off this walkathon, we also do so through a clean-up campaign and tree planting efforts, which our First Lady, Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa, spearheads.
“As we conduct these national events, we pride ourselves as a party in keeping our environment clean,” she said.
The First Lady is the Zanu PF Politburo Secretary for Environment and Tourism.
Environmental Management Agency spokesperson Ms Amkela Sidange said organisations and agencies should work together with Government to ensure the country remains clean.
Forestry Commission acting provincial chairman Mr Philmon Dube said Mashonaland West had set a target of planting 3,2 million trees this year, highlighting the importance of collective efforts in promoting environmental conservation.
Representing Norton Town Council, Councillor Tinashe Machemedze said the local authority had intensified efforts to improve cleanliness in the town, including relocating vendors to designated operating areas.
The private sector also participated in the launch, with Norton businessman Mr Josias Nyariwe urging those in the transport industry to ensure their vehicles did not contribute to environmental pollution.
The walkathon continues a tradition of activities organised around the ruling party’s annual conferences, with one held ahead of the 22nd National People’s Conference also serving as part of preparations for the gathering in Mutare last year.
