Story by Vivian Bangamu
PRESIDENT Emmerson Mnangagwa has commended Zimbabweans for their unwavering patriotism and unity in the face of challenges, highlighting the successful hosting of the 45th Independence Day celebrations and the 65th Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) as examples of national resilience.
Addressing the 383rd Ordinary Session of the ZANU PF Politburo in Harare on Wednesday, President Mnangagwa expressed his appreciation to the people of Midlands and Bulawayo Provinces for their pivotal roles in these landmark events, held despite heavy rainfall.
“Despite the heavy rainfall we experienced, our people braved the weather, to attend the main commemorations in Nembudziya, Gokwe and in other venues across the country. Similarly, I commend Bulawayo Province for the warm welcome and hospitality extended to our visitors at the 65th Edition of the ZITF, including this year’s Guest of Honour, the President of the Republic of Mozambique, His Excellency, Cde Daniel Chapo,” he said.
Turning to party matters, the President celebrated recent electoral victories, especially in Harare’s Glenview South Constituency.
“Our revolutionary mass party continues to demonstrate strength and popularity in both rural and urban communities. I congratulate Harare Province as well as the Party membership and people of Glenview South Constituency, for the victory of ZANU PF in the recently held by-elections. Makorokoto, Amhlophe,” he said.
The President also emphasised that loyalty and a commitment to serving the people must define all party employees and leaders.
President Mnangagwa underscored the importance of inclusivity, calling on women, youth, and professionals from all sectors to find a “comfortable home” within ZANU PF.
He has urged that skills diversity across the party’s grassroots structures should be leveraged to improve responsiveness to community needs and accelerate development goals, particularly Vision 2030.
Asserting ZANU PF’s identity as “a people’s party,” the President reinforced his call for unity and peace as key to Zimbabwe’s growth and resilience.
“Collectively, united and focussed, as one people, with one common vision, let us consistently and persistently advance the interests of our nation and Party. ZANU PF is a people’s Party, we embrace all and represent everyone; we are leaving no one and no place behind,” he said.
President Mnangagwa also touched on recent development initiatives, including the disbursement of tipper trucks under the Presidential Youth Fund and the commissioning of AI-enabled grain silos in Kwekwe, aimed at enhancing food security and climate resilience.
“Recently, I commissioned and handed over tipper trucks to the youth from our various provinces, under the Presidential Youth Fund. In the agriculture sector, the adoption of high technology as well as modernisation of our grain storage facilities are set to consolidate our national food security and sovereignty.
“The recent commissioning of the Artificial Intelligence enabled GMB grain silos in Kwekwe, will have far-reaching impacts on our climate change mitigation strategies,” President Mnangagwa said.
He expressed optimism for another bumper agricultural harvest in the 2024/2025 season and acknowledged strides in livestock production.
In closing, the President paid tribute to three national heroes, Brigadier General (Rtd) Victor Rungani, Cde Walter Basopo, and Air Vice Marshal (Rtd) Winnie Cabby Mandeya, who were recently laid to rest at the National Heroes’ Acre.
