Story by Bruce Chahwanda, Political Editor
PRESIDENT Dr Emmerson Mnangagwa has called on ZANU PF leaders and members to remain vigilant custodians of the party’s values, urging unity, discipline and ideological clarity as the organisation advances its national development agenda.
Addressing the 130th Ordinary Session of the Central Committee at the party’s headquarters in Harare on Thursday, the ZANU PF First Secretary encouraged cadres to “guard against complacency, division and ideological drift,” stressing the need for cohesion and adherence to party principles at all levels.
“We are a Party of order and rules, which must be adhered to at all times. Hakuna mazvake mazvake mumusangano. Tinotevera gwara reMusangano,” he said.
President Dr Mnangagwa said strengthening internal processes, including regular committee meetings, would enhance internal democracy, collective leadership and efficiency within party structures.
“It is my expectation that regular meetings of the Committees will ultimately deepen internal democracy, promote collective leadership and improve the efficiency and responsiveness of Party structures,” he said.
He added that modernising systems would ensure the party remains responsive and aligned with national aspirations.
“It is by continuously modernising our systems that our revolutionary mass Party… can remain forward-looking, people-centred and capable of effectively guiding the nation towards the full realisation of our shared national developmental Vision of an Upper-Middle-Income Society by 2030.”
The Central Committee session received reports from chairpersons of standing committees, which President Mnangagwa said would shape policy direction and government programmes.
He commended ongoing party activities, including strategic workshops and grassroots engagements, describing them as vital in sharpening ideological clarity and strengthening organisational unity.
“Such initiatives must refine ideological clarity and improve organisational unity,” he said, adding that efficient administrative systems, sustainable resource mobilisation and robust membership verification were critical for party growth.
The Party’s First Secretary said discipline remained central to the party’s identity.
“Across the rank and file, all Party cadres have a duty to demonstrate strict discipline and to remain aligned to the correct line of the revolution,” he said.
Turning to recent electoral gains, he attributed ZANU PF’s victories in Nkulumane Constituency, Chikomba RDC, Chegutu West Ward 1 and Matobo Ward 13 by-elections to strong grassroots mobilisation and pro-people policies.
“These victories are a result of consistent grassroots engagement, pro-people policies and the dedication of our Party cadres,” he said, while urging members to intensify efforts to improve livelihoods.
“However, we must not rest but persistently work harder, hand in hand with our people, to realise a higher quality of life.”
President Mnangagwa also praised the party’s youth structures for their mobilisation efforts during national programmes, including National Youth Day commemorations.
“I congratulate the Youth League and its affiliate organisations for the evident mobilisation prowess they continue to demonstrate,” he said.
On the economic front, he highlighted progress in value addition and beneficiation, noting alignment between party resolutions and government policy.
“The value of our minerals and export earnings, must impact our economy and be enjoyed by all of us, the people of Zimbabwe,” he said.
He said Government and the private sector were working together to strengthen resilience, while infrastructure rehabilitation and agricultural production remained on track.
“The general outlook of our agriculture sector is positive, with another bumper harvest expected from the summer crop,” he said.
President Mnangagwa also addressed global economic pressures, saying Government was monitoring external shocks, including the effects of Middle East conflicts, while urging citizens to remain focused on productivity.
Looking ahead, he announced that the 46th Independence Anniversary celebrations will be held in Maphisa, Matabeleland South Province, in line with efforts to decentralise national events.
“This reflects our commitment to inclusivity and national unity, while giving all regions an opportunity to meaningfully enjoy the fruits of our hard-won freedom,” he said.
He outlined several development projects underway in the province, including the construction of the J.M.N. Nkomo Vocational Training Centre, expansion of polytechnic facilities in Gwanda, school infrastructure upgrades and the modernisation of Kezi Rural Hospital.
President Mnangagwa called on party structures nationwide to mobilise citizens for the Independence commemorations, describing them as both a tribute to the liberation struggle and a symbol of confidence in the country’s future.
“The journey ahead demands unity, discipline and unwavering commitment,” he said. “Our individual and collective patriotism, loyalty to the Party ideals and clarity of vision, must be unquestionable.”
