Story by Bruce Chahwanda, Political Editor
ZANU PF President and First Secretary, Cde Emmerson Mnangagwa says the party will continue championing people-centred projects and shame the country’s detractors bent on denigrating the party and Zimbabwe.
The remarks come as the ZANU PF 22nd Annual National People’s Conference roared into life in the provincial capital of Manicaland, Mutare on Tuesday, with the sitting of the Politburo in Harare.
A Central Committee Meeting will be held on Wednesday at the party’s headquarters in Harare before delegates depart to Manicaland Province.
Addressing the meeting, Cde Mnangagwa said the party remains astute and focused on implementing people-centred projects while rejecting aspersions.
“The people’s revolution, which is our mass colossal party, ZANU PF, is like a flame whose light is sustained by following the correct line and our ideology, as well as discipline, patriotism, and loyalty. In this spirit, as the conference roars into life, I call on us, the party’s Politburo, to continue to lead by example in uniting the party and nation, towards the growth of our revolutionary movement and prosperity of our motherland, Zimbabwe. Shame, Shame, Shame on all those who are denigrating our national interests, and ongoing people-centred projects and programmes. We are ZANU PF, and will not be deterred. We reject the negative and harmful characterisations of our party and country.”
The President noted the conference must be used as an opportunity to consolidate unity and reflect on the aspirations, ideas, observations and recommendations of the people.
“Our focus, therefore, must be on providing leadership and guidance for consolidating our unity and the party’s strength. Further, we must grasp this moment to recalibrate all cadres to deepen knowledge and understanding of the nature and purpose of the party. We must ensure that the rank and file remain clear that all activities, programmes and projects, implemented by our ZANU PF-led government, serve the interests of the majority of our people for shared prosperity,” the President said.
Zimbabwe has scored big on the international scene, in the wake of an overwhelming endorsement for its bid for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council, 2027 -2028 and the country’s assumption of the COMESA vice Chairmanship.
“At the international relations level, Zimbabwe, under my administration, has received an encouraging endorsement and backing for our campaign for the non-permanent seat in the United Nations Security Council. Under the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa, Zimbabwe, last week, assumed the responsibility of Vice Chair of the regional body. As we prepare for taking over Chairmanship in 2026, I invite all of us, particularly the private sector, to play your part towards enhancing the regional integration agenda,” he noted.
The ZANU PF Politburo meeting observed a minute of silence in remembrance of the accident victims of a Zimbabwe-bound bus in South Africa on Monday.
“We are equally saddened by the road traffic accident that claimed the lives of our fellow citizens, and others from the region, on Sunday, October 12, who were en route from South Africa. On behalf of the party and government, I once again express our heartfelt condolences to all the affected families and communities for this loss. May the Almighty God give comfort to the bereaved during this difficult time.”
