Zanu-PF's busy conference week begins

Published: 2 hours ago

Preparations for the ZANU-PF 22nd National People's Conference, scheduled to take place in Mutare this week, have been finalised, with party officials expressing confidence that the event will proceed without any hitches.

Party chairperson Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri yesterday led the National Coordinating Committee on a final inspection tour of the Mutare Polytechnic grounds, the main venue for the conference. Speaking after the tour, Muchinguri-Kashiri confirmed that all logistical arrangements were now in place.

"Yes, we met today for the fourth time as the National Coordinating Committee responsible for organising the 22nd National People's Conference," she said. "Reports were presented as usual by sub-committees, and I can safely say we are good to go. Last week, I reported that we only had 5 percent of the work left to complete, and today I can confirm we are now 100 percent ready."

The conference will begin on Tuesday with a Politburo meeting, followed by a Central Committee meeting in Harare on Wednesday. Delegates will then travel to Mutare on Thursday for the official opening sessions.

Muchinguri-Kashiri said all critical areas, including accommodation, food, and infrastructure, had been addressed. "The main hall and offices are now fully furnished, and power supplies have been secured. We have raised nearly US$4 million for the conference, with US$2 million contributed by the leadership," she revealed.

She added that the donations received would be sufficient to feed 10 000 people, while any surplus after catering for the 5 000 expected delegates would be donated to hospitals, orphanages, and other charitable institutions. Roads leading to the venue have been rehabilitated, and billboards have been erected along major routes to Mutare to welcome guests.

President Mnangagwa, who is also the party's First Secretary, will preside over a series of events during the week. On Thursday, he is expected to commission the Mega Market Milling Plant and the new National Pharmaceutical Warehouse at Victoria Chitepo Provincial Hospital. He will also launch the national tree-planting initiative by leading a symbolic planting exercise at the site earmarked for the new ZANU-PF provincial offices near the conference venue.

However, the commissioning of the Grain Marketing Board silos has been postponed to November to allow final touch-ups.

Muchinguri-Kashiri expressed gratitude to the Manicaland provincial leadership for their dedication and support. "They have surpassed all expectations, and we are grateful. All the regalia for the Politburo, Central Committee members, and delegates have been delivered. It will be a colourful conference," she said.

She also revealed that some delegates from Bulawayo and Matabeleland South were planning to visit the Chimoio Liberation War Shrine in Mozambique. Manicaland Provincial Affairs Minister Advocate Misheck Mugadza is reportedly working with Mozambican authorities to facilitate the visits.

The conference is expected to attract solidarity messages from across the world. "We are expecting messages from friendly governments, political parties, and local affiliates such as farmers, churches, and community organisations," said Muchinguri-Kashiri. "The overwhelming support shows that ZANu-PF remains a people's party committed to achieving Vision 2030 through the National Development Strategy 1 and the upcoming NDS2."

ZANU-PF spokesperson Christopher Mutsvangwa confirmed that delegates from sister revolutionary parties such as South Africa's ANC, Mozambique's FRELIMO, Namibia's SWAPO, Tanzania's Chama Cha Mapinduzi, and Angola's MPLA, among others from China and Russia, will attend.

He urged investors to explore opportunities in Manicaland Province, highlighting its potential in mining, agriculture, and tourism. "The province is rich in minerals such as chrome, gold, and emeralds, while its fertile land supports tobacco, maize, and horticulture. The Vumba Mountains and other natural attractions make Manicaland a key eco-tourism destination," said Mutsvangwa.

The week-long conference will conclude on Saturday with a celebratory gala at the Mutare Showgrounds.
- Sunday Mail

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