Story by Bruce Chahwanda, Political Editor
PRESIDENT Dr Emmerson Mnangagwa has challenged ZANU PF to intensify grassroots mobilisation ahead of forthcoming by-elections, declaring that “no Ward must be left behind” and warning party structures against ceding ground to political opponents.
Addressing the party’s 131st Ordinary Session of the Central Committee, President Mnangagwa said every structure of the ruling party must remain firmly rooted among communities and responsive to people’s needs.
“No Ward must be left behind; no Constituency must be surrendered to the agents of neo-colonialism,” he said.
“The Party should be constantly engaging with our people, listening to them and showing them that ZANU PF welcomes and hears them. ZANU PF remains the home of the People’s Revolution.”
The President’s remarks come as the ruling party prepares for by-elections in Hwange, Mazowe, Mudzi and Mutare following its recent victories in Tsholotsho, where it retained Wards 1, 10 and 21.
President Mnangagwa attributed the Tsholotsho victories to sustained grassroots engagement rather than online political activity.
“Detractors spend their time in the wilderness of social media, with its illusionary false community. ZANU PF, on the other hand, is on the ground, in villages and wards, winning the hearts and minds of the people,” he said.
He described the by-election results as evidence that the party’s organisational structures and message continue to resonate with communities.
“This was as a result of hard work, greater organisational capacity and a message that resonates with the grassroots. However, let us not rest or become complacent. Victory is a continuous responsibility,” President Mnangagwa said.
He urged party leaders to ensure campaign structures remain fully prepared ahead of the upcoming polls.
“I urge the leadership of the Party to ensure that the ZANU PF machinery is always ready and well-oiled for other convincing victories,” he said.
The President also underscored the importance of rebuilding the party from its lowest structures, describing the Cell and Village system as the foundation of ZANU PF’s organisational strength.
“The strength and durability of any building or infrastructure lies in a strong foundation. In ZANU PF, our foundation is the Cell/Village structure,” he said.
President Mnangagwa commended the successful Cell and Village verification programme conducted during National Cell Day, saying it had strengthened the party’s membership database and structures.
He said the Cell and Village structures should go beyond political mobilisation to become centres for economic empowerment, community development and the preservation of Zimbabwean cultural values.
“If the Cell/Village structure is robust, the Party remains invincible and unstoppable,” he said.
The President warned against factionalism, regionalism and tribalism, saying unity remained essential to the party’s future.
“There is no room for divisions, regionalism, tribalism and narrow ambitions that override the collective interest of the Party. We are one body, from the Cells to the Presidium, bound by the Party Constitution and collective decisions of the Party.”
Beyond party affairs, President Mnangagwa said Government was accelerating development projects and strengthening social protection programmes as it advances the next phase of the national development agenda.
He said Ministries, Departments and Agencies had been directed to speed up policy implementation while expanding support for vulnerable groups.
“Our elderly, people with disabilities, the vulnerable and child-headed households must continue to feel the compassion of our ZANU PF-led Government,” he said.
He added that improvements in housing, water, sanitation and local authority service delivery would remain central to achieving Vision 2030.
“Results from the local governance systems and service delivery by Local Authority are non-negotiable. We must be accountable to the people,” President Mnangagwa said.
The President said programmes under the Presidential Youth Fund were producing tangible results, with young beneficiaries now managing projects that generate revolving funds capable of financing further initiatives at district and ward level.
He also said livelihood programmes for war veterans were being expanded, with comprehensive reports from the party’s three wings expected during the National Consultative Assembly.
On foreign affairs, President Mnangagwa welcomed Zimbabwe’s election as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council for the 2027-2028 term, describing it as international recognition of the country’s commitment to peace and multilateralism.
“Our foreign policy ‘friend to all and an enemy to none’ is yielding evident results,” he said.
“As we take a seat at this prestigious international forum, we shall carry the voice of the Global South, advocating a fairer and more inclusive international system, where the sovereignty of all nations, multilateralism and the rules-based order, are respected.”
