ZANU PF Conference Opens with Call for Unity, Discipline and Development

By Staff Writer

President and ZANU PF First Secretary, Cde Dr Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, has called on party members to remain united, disciplined and focused on consolidating the gains of the revolution, as the revolutionary Party convenes its 22nd National People’s Conference in Mutare, Manicaland Province.

Addressing the 388th Ordinary Session of the Politburo in Harare on Tuesday, President Mnangagwa said the Conference marks another milestone in ZANU-PF’s continuous adherence to its constitutional provisions, values and revolutionary traditions.

“The holding of this Conference is a demonstration of ZANU PF’s adherence and respect for our constitution, traditions and practices. Our focus must be on providing leadership and guidance to consolidate unity and the Party’s strength. We must ensure that all activities and programmes implemented by our Government serve the interests of the majority of our people for shared prosperity,” President Mnangagwa explained.

The President urged Politburo members and all Party structures to use the Conference as an opportunity to strengthen the ideological grounding of cadres, enhance unity, and reaffirm ZANU PF’s role as the vanguard of the national development agenda.

He commended Manicaland Province, the host of this year’s Conference, for its unity of purpose and commitment during preparations, adding that the management of the event must be efficient and results-oriented.

“The management of the Conference itself must give us value for money and produce qualitative resolutions for high-impact results. I expect those members of the Politburo chairing various committees to ensure that issues are thoroughly debated,” the President said.

Tribute to the Late National Hero and Victims of Tragedy

President Mnangagwa also paid tribute to the late National Hero, Brigadier General (Rtd) Victor Mpandasekwa Mzheri, who was interred at the National Heroes Acre on Monday.

“He was an accomplished cadre of the revolution and a General Officer in the Zimbabwe Defence Forces who served our country with consistency and persistence,” he said.

The President further extended condolences to the families of the victims of the tragic road accident that occurred in South Africa’s Limpopo Province on Sunday, which claimed the lives of several Zimbabweans and Malawians.

“On behalf of the Party and Government, I express our heartfelt condolences to all affected families and communities. May Almighty God comfort the bereaved during this difficult time,” he said before inviting the Politburo to observe a moment of silence.

Guarding the Revolution and National Interests

President Mnangagwa reminded Party leaders that ZANU PF’s revolutionary mandate remains anchored on loyalty, patriotism, and discipline.

“The people’s revolution which our colossal Party is championing is like a flame whose light is sustained by following the correct ideological line, as well as discipline, patriotism and loyalty,” he said.

He condemned elements seeking to malign Zimbabwe’s image and undermine its development trajectory.

“Shame, shame, shame on all those denigrating our national interests and ongoing people-centred projects and programmes. We are ZANU-PF and will not be deterred. We reject the harmful characterisations of our Party and country,” President Mnangagwa said.

Upholding the Sanctity of Life

The President also expressed concern over cases of violent crime, ritual murders and abuse of children, warning that such acts are alien to Zimbabwe’s values.

“We are a nation where the sanctity of life is honoured, celebrated and safeguarded. Those who take advantage of others, especially children, have no place in our country. Tiri nyika ine rugare nerunyararo,” he said.

Zimbabwe’s Growing Diplomatic Footprint

On the international front, President Mnangagwa said Zimbabwe continues to gain recognition and support in the global arena, with encouraging endorsements for its bid for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council.

He added that Zimbabwe had also assumed the Vice-Chairmanship of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), setting the stage for the country to take over as Chair in 2026.

“As we prepare to assume the Chairmanship, I invite all of us, particularly the private sector, to play our part in enhancing regional integration and trade,” he said.

Vision 2030 on Course

In conclusion, President Mnangagwa urged delegates to conduct the 22nd National People’s Conference in the spirit of the Party’s revolutionary culture, stressing that the nation looks to ZANU PF to maintain the momentum of development, peace and unity.

“Let us be cognisant that the nation looks to ZANU PF to carry forward the current trajectory of multi-pronged development, social cohesion, unity and peace. Our colossal Revolutionary Party is delivering,” he said.

Reaffirming the Conference theme, “Attaining Vision 2030 through Economic Empowerment and Value Addition,” the President reiterated that ZANU PF remains the driving force behind the country’s socio-economic transformation.

“We are attaining Vision 2030 through economic empowerment and value addition, brick by brick, stone upon stone, step by step. Forward ever, backward never,” President Mnangagwa declared.