Story by Sifiso Sibanda
The ZANU PF First Secretary and President, Cde Emmerson Mnangagwa has officially opened the ZANU PF Annual National People’s Conference in Bulawayo this Friday, encouraging party members to preserve the gains of the liberation struggle and focus on projects that uplift the living standards of the people in line with Vision 2030.
“We are a party of results, hence the need to continually sharpen our party policies. Strategies in this regard must remain robust and people- centred. Therefore the conference has the obligation to recommit our party, to deepen grassroots engagement and mobilisation, for both party building and scaling up production and productivity as well as the implementation of projects. Challenges affecting our country, including illegal sanctions and climate change should never limit us. Step by step, brick by brick and stone upon stone, we are realising the mission, aims and objectives of our colossal party, and consolidating the gains of our hard- won independence, national unity and peace,” he said.
The President noted that the land remains the backbone of the country’s economy as it was one of grievances that led to the liberation struggle.
“The land was one of the key grievances that saw us wage a brutal war of liberation. It is more than a store of wealth and symbol of identity, our God-given land is a perpetual inheritance for both the current and future generations, which we will continue to jealousy safeguard and protect. To ensure the security of tenure, therefore a new Land Tenure policy has been adopted by government for the beneficiaries of the land reform programme, including war veterans, youths and women,” he added.
President Mnangagwa said the economy is on a growth path, with the mining sector being the key driver.
“The resilience of the mining sector is evident through the realisation of 84 percent capacity utilisation in 2024 with expected jump to 90 percent in 2025. The sector is contributing 75 percent of our country’s exports and 18 percent of GDP. Gold output, especially from artisanal and small scale miners, has been growing month on month and government is periodically reviewing incentives in the sector for realisation of win- win benefits,” noted the President.
On the political front, the ZANU PF First Secretary noted the representation of special interest groups at the conference saying it confirms that it is an inclusive indaba.
“In oneness, under the enduring spirit of comradeship, we continue defending our party of Zimbabwe’s liberation, freedom and independence. We are making sure that under our watch, as this generation of leaders, our ZANU PF party is in safe hands. ZANU PF and people are one, we are singing one national anthem, flying one national flag and working hard towards the attainment of our national vision 2030 for the prosper, modernisation, industrialisation and development of our beloved motherland,” he emphasised.
He further challenged all wings to grow the membership of the party and adhere to principles of discipline and loyalty.
