President Emmerson Mnangagwa is expected to officially open the 22nd Annual National People’s Conference.
The week-long gathering follows key meetings of the Politburo and Central Committee held in Harare earlier this week, chaired by the President, and will conclude on Saturday.
As part of the proceedings, the President will also plant a commemorative tree at the conference venue, symbolising growth and continuity within the ruling party.
ZANU PF National Chairperson, Cde Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri, Address:
Cde Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri welcomes delegates to the ZANU PF 22nd National People’s Conference, expressing gratitude to President Mnangagwa and the party leadership for their guidance in planning and coordinating the event.
She described the conference setup as a marvel, noting that ZANU PF never disappoints, it remains experienced, innovative, and creative, and firmly poised for modernisation.
“We are gathered here to introspect on how we have fared as a party and as a nation. As leaders, we represent our constituencies and must relay back to them what we agree upon here,” she said.
Cde Muchinguri-Kashiri added that the conference theme is both timely and fitting, as it facilitates strategic discussions during the transition from NDS1 to NDS2. She emphasised that unity is paramount and that such gatherings offer an opportunity to reflect on the party’s ideological position.
She also highlighted that the conference includes a medical screening initiative spearheaded by the First Lady, Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa.
ZANU-PF President and First Secretary, Cde Emmerson Mnangagwa begins his address as he officially open the ZANU PF 22nd National People’s Conference in Mutare
“It is my singular honour to address this 22nd National People’s Conference of our ruling revolutionary, mass Party, ZANU PF. The jubilant and electric atmosphere characterising this historic Conference shows that ZANU PF is indeed the home and custodian of the people’s revolution. On behalf of the Party, the Central Committee and indeed on my own behalf, I thank you, Manicaland Province, for the warm manner you have welcomed us. Tinokutendai nekuti gamuchira, kwamaita. Well done, Manicaland Province, Well done, ZANU PF. Tinofara kuva kuno kuManicaland Province, “kumakomoyo”. Ino iProvince ine nhoroondo yehondo yerusununguko. Vana vekuno vakawanda, vakaenda kuhondo. ” – President Mnangagwa
“Our vision 2030 is fast approaching. The ZANU PF constitution should be engraved in the hearts and minds of our people. Every cadre of the party has a duty to guarantee the dominance and popularity of ZANU PF. Tose tinosungirwa kubatana nekuchengetedza kuzvitonga kuzere kwedu sevanhu veZANU PF. Semusangano we ZANU PF tinokutsigirai vechidiki tichiziva kuti nyika inotongwa, inonamatitirwa nekutsigirwa nevene vayo.” – President Mnangagwa
“Manicaland Province has a rich revolutionary history and communities, like others across the country, contributed with their blood for the liberation, freedom and Independence of our motherland, Zimbabwe. You generously hosted and provided sanctuary to many of the country’s Sons and Daughters of the Soil, who passed through the valleys, rough mountains and rivers of this province, to join the armed liberation struggle. The Province was a strategic entry point for our freedom fighters, into the sister Republic of Mozambique. Tinokutendayi. Siyalibonga. It is a befitting tribute that we launched our campaign for the 2023 Harmonised General Elections in Chipinge. Last year, the nation converged in Buhera District for the 44th Independence Anniversary Commemorations.” – President Mnangagwa
“We, take the opportunity of this Conference, to draw inspiration from the province’s resistance against colonialism, oppression and settler domination. The heroic acts of Chief Rekayi Tangwena and Chief Makoni; the astuteness of the late National Hero and ZANU Chairman, Cde Herbert Wiltshire Chitepo, along with many other National Heroes such as Cde Ndabaningi Sithole, all provide motivation and lessons on nation as well as Party building. Kuno ndiko kwakabvazve magamba anoti Comrades, Maurice Nyagumbo, Edgar Tekere, Kumbirayi Kangai, William Ndangana, Zororo Duri and Ellen Gwaradzimba, among others. Memories of the many battles fought in this Province, including the Mavonde battle, solidify our obligation to protect the Party’s founding ideology.” – President Mnangagwa
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 upcoming implementation cycle of the National Development Strategy 2 and the Harmonised General Elections remains of utmost importance. The Party’s machinery should never rest but remain well-oiled to serve the people and advance the development of our motherland, Zimbabwe. – President Mnangagwa
“It is pleasing that all structures of ZANU PF have shown leadership in every area of our society; from building stronger families, fighting drug and substance abuse, right across to productivity, industrialisation as well as modernisation of the economy. Our colossal mass Party, is indeed the engine-room of national development, a responsibility which we do not take lightly. The collective wisdom of this National People’s Conference must be harnessed to proffer innovative programmes to accelerate the ongoing development processes. In marching forward, the DNA of ZANU PF will never change and must never be tampered with. The Party, must not shy away from continually adapting and responding to the requirements of the changing times. These new realities include urbanisation, increased ICT usage and a highly mobile, educated and empowered people.” – President Mnangagwa
“Vision 2030 is fast approaching, accordingly, Party strategies and programmes should be ready to lead an empowered upper middle income society. The ZANU PF Constitution and correct Party line should be engrained in the hearts and minds of our people. This will guide the Party, throughout any periods of modernisation and transformation. Individually and collectively, through actions, speech and conduct, every cadre of the Party has a duty to guarantee the dominance and popularity of ZANU PF. Conference is called upon to put in place the requisite building blocks to fortify this fundamental thrust.” – President Mnangagwa
“The ZANU PF-led Government, under my leadership, is championing an undeniable economic revolution with a firm GDP growth trajectory. The impacts of our policies are reaching all districts, wards and villages. Vanoona ngatiwonei, vanonzwa tinzwisise. No amount of falsehoods by detractors will ever conceal the true and positive story of Zimbabwe.” – President Mnangagwa
“Sustainable, people-centred development and prosperity can never be a “Big Bang”. We are a nation on the rise. Systematically, orderly, and through a disciplined approach; we are building the Zimbabwe we want; brick by brick, and stone upon stone. Gradually, we are lifting people into a better quality of life, step by step and community by community. The ongoing empowerment programmes are designed to facilitate entrepreneurs to grow their businesses. Our youth and women must make money here, in the free and independent land of our birth. No one and no place will be left behind. Makorokoto, Amhlophe, Kumabasa edu akasiyana-siyana, tirikuratidza kuti, zvokwadi-zvokwadi; Nyika, inovakwa, inotongwa, inonamatigwa nevene vayo/ Ilizwe lakhiwa, libuswe, likhu-leke-lwe ngabanikazi balo. Halleluya.” – President Mnangagwa
“Agriculture production and productivity, is our reliable and consistent path to self-reliance. Higher agriculture productivity should now translate to expansion of our agro-industries. Conference is called upon to guide our structures and the nation at large, to ensure that our agriculture is market driven, not only to feed ourselves but particularly, for export destinations. The aim is to also see better health and nutrition, especially for our children and improved household incomes, as a result of the successes in the agriculture sector. The Party has a duty to plan and direct our Government in a manner that realises these aspirations. Preparations for the 2025/2026 summer cropping season have already begun. Inputs are being dispatched across the country. I congratulate the Party for mobilising farmers towards climate proofing our agriculture.” – President Mnangagwa
“The increased uptake of the Pfumvudza/Intwasa programme, is a demonstration of our shared vision to be a nation that produces what we eat. Well done Zimbabwe. The record maize, wheat and tobacco yields as well as mineral sales, together with the expanding manufacturing sector and increasing tourist arrivals all point to our unstoppable potential. Pamusoro pazvo, vana vedu varikushanda kunze kwenyika varikubatsirawo kuvaka nyika yekwavo. Tinozvikudza. Our citizens in the diaspora are playing their part in building our motherland, through remittances and increasingly, by investing in different parts of the economy. Such acts of patriotism and allegiance to our motherland are commendable. Going forward, the ZANU PF led-Government will continue to collaborate with the private sector to consolidate the gains we are realising from the prevailing conducive business environment.” – President Mnangagwa
“Zimbabwe is open for business with focus now on investment promotion in rural areas. As we welcome investors in our jurisdiction, we expect that they will adhere to the Constitution and laws, while also respecting our people, customs and culture. More industries and factories must be established among our communities. Production of all the needs of our people should be based at the places where they live. Tinoda ma-factory kumaruwa ikoko. Zvinhu zvatinoda ngazvigadzirwe kumatunhu edu. Mabasa ngaawanikwe kuma districts edu, nekuma wards. Tisu tine mutoro wekuzviita izvozvo. Let us not wait for others from elsewhere to come and develop, our own areas and sectors. The duty to create jobs for our young people, is ours together. At Government level, our rural industrialisation, transformation and the empowerment of local communities is on course.” – President Mnangagwa
“You are all witnessing irrigation schemes, Presidential Village Business Units, as well as agro-processing and warehousing facilities being established throughout the country. These interventions are turning our rural communities into strategic and viable export hubs resulting in improved household incomes and livelihoods. Conference is challenged to further assess the performance of all Party programmes and projects. This should be done for the purpose of collectively proffering positive recommendations that will close any emerging development gaps and oversights.” – President Mnangagwa
“Throughout, the prosecution of the armed liberation struggle and since Independence, the Party has always demonstrated an ability to adapt strategies to realise the desired end goal. We are a people’s movement that decisively and boldly reviews our own approaches in the best interests of the people of our beloved country. This culture should never stop. Government has put in place concrete strategies to quicken the rate of modernisation of our hospitals as well as the availability of drugs and medicines. Tomorrow, I will be commissioning the NatPharm medical warehouse here in Mutare, at the Victoria Chitepo Provincial Hospital.” – President Mnangagwa
“Science education is at the core of industrialisation and sustainable development. The Party should ensure that Government is directed to prioritise the construction, equipping and manning of science labs, especially in rural areas. The Heritage Based Education 5.0. Model, has had evident results. Discussions at this Conference, towards deliberately scaling up support for our talented youth to broaden areas of innovation as well as commercialise their creative ideas and products, are critically important.” – President Mnangagwa
“In agriculture, mining, manufacturing, ICTs and tourism, among other sectors, the young people are emerging as masters of their own destinies. Our Party and country has every reason to be proud. Well done, well done. seMusangano we ZANU PF tinokutsigirai vechidiki. Ngazvirambe zvakadaro, muchiziva kuti; Nyika, inovakwa, inotongwa, inonamatigwa nevene vayo/ Ilizwe lakhiwa, libuswe, likhu-le-ke-lwe ngabanikazi balo.” – President Mnangagwa
“ZANU PF is a strong and united Party, with a Constitution, sound ideology, clearly laid out structures and revolutionary principles that do not change according to preferences and the self-interests of cliques. Kwete. Musangano haukwani muhomwe yemunhu. Hausi wangu, hausi wedu se vatungamiri; ZANU PF ndeye ruzhinji rweZimbabwe. ZANU PF is not private property; it can never fit into anyone’s pocket, this is a mammoth revolutionary Party. Hatisi musangano we-mazvake mazvake. Tinomira pazviga zvedu, zvido zvevanhu, uye tinotevedza gwara remusangano, gwara rehondo yechimurenga. We are a Party that upholds its Constitution, including the laws of this country as we advance our national interests. – President Mnangagwa
“Kure kwemeso, nzeve dzinonzwa”. All structures are directed to expose and reject perpetrators of tribalism and regionalism, among other narratives that divide the Party. Corruption, corruption, corruption, of any kind, has no place among the rank and file of the Party membership and indeed, in our country. It is cancerous to the ongoing national development agenda. You will all recall that in 2018, in my address to the 17th National People’s Conference at Esigodini, Matabeleland South Province, I pronounced that and I quote; “To achieve the modern, prosperous society we envision to become, we must cleanse ourselves from the retrogressive tendencies such as corruption, self-centeredness, economic sabotage, indiscipline and immorality, among other ills. The Party should never be a haven for any of these vices. We must be honest, hardworking, transparent, disciplined and selfless in all our activities. These are values and the national ethos which must be engrained in us, to bequeath to future generations”. That position still holds. It remains the correct Party line. Excesses, wanton acts of commission and omission for corrupt ends, risk alienating the Party from the masses and must be expunged from our body politik. – President Mnangagwa
“Discipline and integrity of all ZANU PF members, should be above question. I expect Conference to be emphatic on these matters. Our country is not for sale. Spreading false information, denigrating one’s country, the leadership, and people can never be good for our national pride, image and dignity. Let it be clear that those opportunists who tarnish our country for short-sighted, ulterior political motives will never succeed. Zimbabwe is a constitutional democracy, with strong governance systems and institutions.” – President Mnangagwa
“Nyika ino haitongwi paSocial Media. Hayisi yekutamba nayo; yakatengwa neropa rerusununguko, ropa revana veZimbabwe vakarara kumasango. Pasi nenhubu. Under my leadership, ZANU PF will remain vigilant and not waiver in safeguarding, defending and promoting our unity, peace, democracy, Independence and sovereignty. We shall never betray the fallen heroes and heroines, sons and daughters of the soil, who paid for the Zimbabwe we now enjoy, with their dear lives. seZANU PF hatikanganwe. Ticharamba tichichengetedza nhaka yedu.” – President Mnangagwa
“As we turn to the main Agenda of this watershed Conference, I challenge us to do so with unity of purpose, and invite us to all put our hands to the plough to achieve the intended objectives of this gathering. Focus must be on guaranteeing the growth of our Party membership in readiness for the Harmonised General Elections. Responsive strategies and approaches must be advanced to consolidate the visibility and influence, of the Women, Youth and Veterans Leagues. Political mobilisation by the Party with its affiliates, is our daily responsibility. Let us carry on recruiting and welcoming new members, from all walks of life and harness the diverse skills of the membership, for the ultimate good of our revolutionary movement. Tinoramba tichivaka musangano wedu, nguva nenguva.” – President Mnangagwa
“The successes of the ZANU PF Government are a source of pride, and are like a light that keeps growing brighter and brighter. Our national development philosophy; Nyika inovakwa, inotongwa nevene vayo/ Ilizwe lakhiwa, libuswe ngabanikazi balo, is permeating to every Zimbabwean, including those in the Diaspora. Through this philosophy, we must safeguard our dignity and identity, as truly independent Zimbabwean and African people. The bonds that cement all of us, from Zambezi to Limpopo and Mutare to Plumtree, are unbreakable. We are a united, peaceful, unitary and indivisible great nation of, Zimbabwe. This Conference is a demonstration of this unity. Hatisikudzokera shure. Ticharamba takabatana, tichironga budiriro yenyika yedu, pamwe chete, isu, vene veZimbabwe.” – President Mnangagwa
“The Central Committee reviewed its activities undertaken through the various departments of the Party during the period under review. The Central Committee Report before us, highlights that ZANU PF is growing, modernising and extending its influence. The Departments of the Party are more robust, in line with the expectation of the membership and generality of Zimbabweans.” – President Mnangagwa
“Grassroots empowerment initiatives are ongoing, under the auspices of the Leagues of the Party. In all the programmes undertaken in the period under review, no one and no place is being left behind. As a Liberation Movement, the Party has remained engaged with progressive parties in the region and beyond. We are doing our part towards promoting the values of Pan-Africanism, unity, justice, peace, security and sustainable development for all, particularly, for us in the Global South.” – President Mnangagwa
“ZANU PF pays tribute to our friends and allies, who are unflinching in support of Zimbabwe against the continued illegal sanctions and other global shocks such as climate change. In line with the requirements of the Party Constitution, it is now my distinct privilege to officially Table the Central Committee Report to the 22nd National People’s Conference for debate and adoption. With these remarks, I wish us fruitful deliberations and Conference outcomes that leap-forward our country’s development and the prosperity of our people.” – President Mnangagwa
