Story by Online reporter
ZANU PF members across the country gathered at cell level as part of a nationwide mobilisation exercise aimed at strengthening grassroots structures, enhancing party membership and promoting unity.
The National Cell Day initiative, introduced by President Emmerson Mnangagwa, saw party members, leaders and officials engaging communities in urban and rural areas, reaffirming the central role of cell structures in the party’s organisation.
In Harare, young cadres joined senior party leaders, describing the exercise as an opportunity to better understand the party’s ideology and operations.
“As young people, when we come for cell meetings, we get an appreciation of what ZANU PF is and how it functions,” one youth member said.
“This day was set aside by President Mnangagwa, and we honour it because it is important to go back to the cell where the party starts,” another added.
Harare Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution said the exercise provided an opportunity to assess grassroots strength.
“This cell is alive, and this day is important because we take stock of grassroots support of the party,” Cde Tavegwa said.
Another party official echoed the same view.
“We recognise the importance of the basic grassroots of the party; this is where it starts, and we are happy to witness that cells in Harare are alive,” Cde Masimirembwa said.
In Matabeleland South, Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Honourable Albert Nguluvhe, and Provincial Chairperson, Cde Mangaliso Ndhlovu, attended National Cell Day activities in Beitbridge, stressing that the cell remains the foundation of the party.
“We should respect the cell chairperson because without him, there is no ZANU PF. We should all make sure that we belong to a cell,” Cde Nguluvhe said.
“As a province, we appreciate the establishment of this day because it allows us to listen to the people who vote for the party,” Cde Ndhlovu said.
In Mashonaland East, Provincial Chairperson Honourable Daniel Garwe, accompanied by Senator Bertha Chinyanga, emphasised discipline and mobilisation.
“Cell chairpersons should make regulatory calls for meetings. We are the first line of defence for the party. This is your party, and we need to ensure more people are part of cells,” Cde Garwe said.
“We need to recruit more people and ensure they are registered to vote. More members strengthen the party,” Senator Chinyanga added.
Masvingo Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution and Central Committee member, Honourable Ezra Chadzamira, underscored the importance of accurate records.
“This exercise allows us to ascertain the number of members we have, register new members and keep track of each other. Keeping records from the grassroots is very critical,” he said.
ZANU PF National Political Commissar, Cde Munyaradzi Machacha, observed the exercise at Spar Farm in Mazowe, noting a positive turnout nationwide.
“We had a good turnout here, and those absent were mainly tied up with work. From my engagements, the exercise went well across the country,” he said.
In Bulawayo, the focus was on verifying long-standing members while welcoming first-time entrants.
“I saw an advert and decided to join for the first time. I was welcomed warmly and I am happy to finally be part of the party,” new member Munyaradzi Chivandire said.
Shadow MP for Bulawayo Central and Greens District Chairperson, Cde Tendai Charuka, said the response was encouraging.
“We recorded more than 25 cells and close to 326 new members joining the party today in Greens District,” he said.
In Mashonaland West, the National Cell Day comes ahead of the party’s provincial campaign rally scheduled for Sunday in Chegutu, as mobilisation intensifies for the Chegutu Ward One council seat.
Addressing members, the province’s Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Zvimba North legislator highlighted the strategic importance of the exercise.
“National Cell Day strengthens structures from the cell level upwards. Strong grassroots structures are the foundation of electoral success and sustainable development,” he said.
In Matabeleland North, Provincial Chairperson Cde Richard Moyo described cell structures as the lifeline of the party.
“Cells are our lifeline, and we will always urge members to be in the registers. This is the foundation of the party,” he said.
Meanwhile, in Manicaland, Provincial Chairperson Cde Tawanda Mukodza said the verification process was key to building a credible membership database.
“This exercise strengthens the party and ensures that the numbers match the names in our registers,” he said.
