Lessons Learnt from the People’s Conference , Diaspora Structures Must Do More in the Pursuit of Genuine Representation

By Kudzai Makuku

The recently held People’s Conference was nothing short of electric ,a vivid demonstration of ZANU PF’s enduring strength and unity.

While many outsiders anticipated divisions or discord, the Party once again defied expectations, emerging with renewed solidarity, discipline, and an unmistakable bond between leadership and membership.

It was yet another powerful reminder that ZANU PF remains the cornerstone of Zimbabwe’s political stability and progress.

Given the Party’s commanding majority in Parliament, it is clear that the resolutions adopted at the Conference will guide and shape government policy.

The success of ZANU PF is, in essence, the success of the nation itself.

Yet, as a committed member of the diaspora, I could not help but reflect deeply on what lessons we must draw from this year’s proceedings.

Despite the enthusiasm and dedication of our diaspora structures, we left the conference with limited recognition and no direct voice.

This outcome, while disappointing, should not dishearten us.

Instead, it should ignite within us a renewed determination to pursue genuine representation ,not just through words, but through unified and strategic action.

One of the most striking lessons from this experience is that our influence remains limited by fragmentation.

Too often, when “diaspora” is mentioned, it evokes thoughts of separate districts ,South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, the United Kingdom, China, Canada rather than one cohesive political force.

This perception must change.

To be taken seriously, we must begin to operate as a single, coordinated diaspora province with a common purpose and shared direction, yes constitutionally we are not a province but we can act as one in regards to actions and how we carry ourselves.

This does not mean dissolving our district identities, but rather pooling our resources, expertise, and political capital to project the strength of a united diaspora.

If we speak and act with one voice, our resolutions will carry far more weight.

Our representatives will command respect, and our contributions to the Party’s growth and the nation’s development will become undeniable.

The reality that we were not granted a solidarity address at the Conference is not a rejection but a reminder that influence is not demanded, it is earned through consistent, visible action.

Moving forward, we must demonstrate our relevance through tangible contributions that align with the Party’s vision and national priorities.

The diaspora should take a leading role in initiating community development projects back home, refurbishing schools and clinics, supporting youth and women’s empowerment programmes, or even investing in infrastructure upgrades at ZANU PF Headquarters and provincial offices.

When the leadership sees the diaspora not merely as vocal supporters abroad but as active contributors to national progress, our influence within the Party will grow naturally and sustainably.

Equally important is the need to strengthen our ties with provincial structures.

Each diaspora district has roots in particular provinces ,we should use these connections to build enduring partnerships and cooperation.

By maintaining regular communication, supporting provincial initiatives, and creating joint programmes, we can establish a visible and trusted presence on the ground.

These relationships will be invaluable in garnering provincial support for diaspora resolutions at future conferences.

The time to build these bridges is now not in the weeks before the next gathering, but throughout the entire political cycle.

While deepening our provincial engagements, we must also build strong and strategic links with national leadership at Party Headquarters.

We need to make our presence felt, not as petitioners, but as partners offering expertise, investment, and innovation.

Regular policy dialogues and consultative forums between diaspora representatives and Party leaders could demonstrate how the skills and resources of Zimbabweans abroad can be channelled to support ZANU PF’s national objectives.

The diaspora must be seen as a valuable think tank, a reservoir of talent and patriotism that strengthens the Party’s capacity to govern effectively in an increasingly interconnected world.

True representation will also require institutional recognition.

It is time to begin a mature and respectful conversation about establishing formal diaspora representation within both Party and Government structures.

The idea of a diaspora quota in Parliament or the creation of a Minister and Deputy Minister for Diaspora Affairs deserves serious consideration.

Such an initiative would not only recognise the loyalty and contributions of Zimbabweans abroad but would also harness their skills, capital, and networks to accelerate national development.

Other progressive nations have successfully adopted this model and Zimbabwe can do so in a way that strengthens, rather than complicates, existing structures.

All of this, however, will require collective discipline and unity of purpose.

Our campaign for inclusion cannot be fought in isolation ,it must be waged simultaneously within the Party, within the provinces, and within Government.

It is a three legged race , one that demands coordination, persistence, and the understanding that no district or district leader can achieve this goal alone.

The People’s Conference has reminded us that ZANU PF’s strength lies in its unity, its discipline, and its ability to renew itself through inclusion and collective purpose.

As members of the diaspora, our task is to reinforce that strength ,not from the margins, but from the heart of the party.

We must transform disappointment into determination, and aspiration into action.The diaspora is not merely a cheering audience abroad.

We are a vital force for national progress, a bridge between Zimbabwe and the world.

With unity, strategic thinking, and consistent engagement, we can and will earn our rightful place in the Party and in the governance of our beloved nation.