Online Reporter
Fungi Kwaramba in MUTARE
SET against the majestic backdrop of rugged mountains — some bare and weathered, others standing tall with verdant canopies — lies the historic city of Mutare.
This city holds a special place in the hearts of Zimbabweans, recalling the bravery of the sons and daughters who crossed into Mozambique to wage the struggle for independence.
Mutare’s rich history makes it a fitting venue for the 22nd Zanu PF Annual People’s Conference, which is running under the theme, “Attainment of Vision 2030 Through Economic Empowerment and Value Addition”.
This is an apt maxim that reflects the party’s commitment to industrialisation and modernisation under President Mnangagwa’s leadership.
Zanu PF First Secretary and President Cde Mnangagwa, accompanied by National Chairman Cde Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri, arrives at Mutare Polytechnic for the official opening of the party’s 22nd Annual National People’s Conference yesterday. — Pictures: Believe Nyakudjara.
The rat-tat of guns has been replaced by the click-clack of computers and the clatter and rumble of heavy-duty machinery as Zimbabwe marches towards Vision 2030, determined to become an upper-middle-income economy.
It was with this goal in mind that Zanu PF converged in Mutare yesterday to introspect and accelerate progress towards the shared national Vision of lifting the majority to prosperity by the year 2030.
As the ruling party took stock of its progress, the country effectively paused; after all, it is the engine leading the transformation witnessed nationwide, from bumper harvests to other milestones that have restored pride among many.
Thus, the annual gathering of Zanu PF taking place here is a vibrant and energetic event that draws supporters from across the country. It is an occasion marked by a medley of colours, with attendees dressed in party attire and accessories, creating a mosaic tapestry.
With speakers at a high pitch and a lively atmosphere, the event is a momentous occasion for party loyalists to come together, galvanising support, celebrating milestones, and setting new targets for Zanu PF to scale.
President Mnangagwa put it succinctly in his opening remarks: “The Conference theme; ‘Attainment of Vision 2030, through Economic Empowerment and Value Addition’ is timely. It avails us the chance to refine and re-focus our ongoing people-centred revolution to develop, modernise and industrialise Zimbabwe, for the shared prosperity of all communities in our great country.”
“In keeping with the long held traditions and the internal democratic culture of our Party, I invite Conference to engage in factual, frank and constructive discussions. As we debate, let us respect each other’s divergent views,” the President said, setting the tone for a conference that is more than just an indaba but a critical platform to inform policy — especially given that next year the country will be implementing the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2).
This is thus not a mere talk show but an important fixture on the national calendar that defines the political, economic, and social trajectory Zimbabwe will take.
As they danced to music, party officials who came from every part of the country were mindful of the mammoth tasks ahead, for as the President said, every voice counts.
During the conference, every thematic area and sector will be dissected in an exhaustive, objective, and thorough manner with regards to dealing with the business of the party.
Mutare City, which has run out of accommodation, was packed not only with people but also with ideas, as Zanu-PF met again to take stock. Accommodation had been snapped up, forcing some to travel as far as 100 kilometres out of the city to be part of the crucial deliberations that shape a nation.
The Secretary General for the Boysdzamdara league, Cde Edmore Maenda, from Harare, said President Mnangagwa was spot on regarding economic transformation.
“Zimbabwe is now one of the fastest growing economies in Africa through the Second Republic’s policies. The President is committed to empowering the youth through various economic initiatives like title deeds for the youth, allocation of stands, mining equipment and Presidential empowerment loans. We are going to get direction from this conference deliberations,” said Cde Maenda.
Cde Florence Moyo said she was happy to make her contributions.
“I am happy to attend the conference. I am aware that Zanu PF conferences open economic opportunities for everyone. I am making money through selling party regalia, and I will also make my contributions during the deliberations.
“We need to maintain the momentum in the empowerment of women,” said Ms Moyo, who hails from Harare.
In a demonstration of its organising prowess, the venue — Mutare Polytechnic grounds — was festooned with white marquees, some for exhibitors who displayed their products, underscoring that this event is not only about politics but business too.
Yesterday, speakers blared with music, punctuated by slogans, as provinces rallied behind President Mnangagwa. But when the speeches began, everyone listened attentively, with the leaders demonstrating a unity of purpose and a collective walk towards Vision 2030.
This conference is not just an event; it’s a critical platform for introspection and accountability, igniting robust debates and setting the stage for a transformative vision that resonates with the aspirations of the people.
At least 3 000 delegates are in attendance.
