By Nevanji Munyaradzi Chiondegwa
Bulawayo – His Excellency the President and the First Secretary of the ruling party ZANU PF, Cde Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa officially opened the 21st National People’s Conference of ZANU PF at the ZITF Grounds in Bulawayo, emphasizing the party’s unwavering commitment to unity, peace, and development. In a speech filled with fervor and determination, the President and First Secretary Cde Mnangagwa applauded the party’s achievements while outlining a vision for the future aimed at realizing Vision 2030.
The President and First Secretary began by acknowledging the warm welcome from the local leadership and citizens, stating, “Siyalibonga Bulawayo omuhle. Congratulations. Amhlophe. Makorokoto.” He expressed gratitude for the strong turnout from party members across the provinces, highlighting that it reflects ZANU PF’s adherence to its founding values and the collective strength of its membership.
Reflecting on the past year, Cde Mnangagwa noted, “We stand tall and proudly confident that we are indeed jealously safeguarding the ‘Unity, Peace and Development’ that the Founding Fathers bequeathed to us.” He emphasized the importance of solidarity, declaring, “Together in unity, across the 10 provinces, we are expanding the organizational capacity and growing the strength of our Party.”
The theme of this year’s conference, “Industrialise and Modernise Towards the Attainment of Vision 2030,” was a focal point of his address. President Mnangagwa urged delegates to engage in honest discussions about the state of the party and the economy, stating, “We are a Party of results, hence the need to continually sharpen our Party’s policies.” He called for structured solutions to the challenges facing the nation, underscoring that “time-bound and structured solutions should be proffered, sector by sector.”
Addressing the challenges faced by Zimbabwe, including illegal sanctions and climate change, the President asserted, “Challenges affecting our country should never limit us.” He reiterated the importance of grassroots engagement and mobilization, emphasizing, “Our Party structures are critical for a strong foundation of the revolution.” He further called for vigilance against infiltration by divisive elements within the party, stating, “Party systems must be tightened and insulated against those who have no regard for the political order.”
The President and First Secretary took time to celebrate the achievements since the last conference, commending the restructuring of party cells and the growing membership, particularly in Bulawayo. “The work of the Chitepo School of Ideology is achieving its intended objectives of ‘Decolonising the Mind,’” he stated, emphasizing the need to nurture a sense of patriotism and unity among Zimbabweans.
The President and First Secretary passionately addressed the issue of land reform, stating, “Land remains the backbone of our economy. It is more than a store of wealth and symbol of identity; our God-given land is a perpetual inheritance.” He announced the adoption of a new Land Tenure Policy aimed at ensuring security of tenure for beneficiaries of the Land Reform Programme, including war veterans, youth, and women.
On economic development, Preident and First Secretary Cde Mnangagwa highlighted the resilience of the mining sector and ongoing infrastructure projects. “The construction and maintenance of national road networks are ongoing,” he noted, with specific mention of critical upgrades to the Beitbridge-Bulawayo-Victoria Falls and Harare-Chirundu roads. He also expressed optimism about the agricultural sector, commending efforts towards a bumper winter wheat harvest and the implementation of the Pfumvudza/Intwasa Programme.
In concluding his address, the President and First Secretary called for robust discussions during the conference, stating, “It is our responsibility to create new pathways as we consolidate socio-economic gains.” He urged members to focus on the resolutions and their implications for the party and the nation, demanding a commitment to the party’s constitutional values.
In a rousing declaration to close his speech, the President and First Secretary, Cde Mnangagwa proclaimed, “With these remarks, it is my singular honour and privilege to now table the Central Committee Report and declare the 21st National People’s Conference, officially open. Pamberi ne ZANU PF. Pamberi ne kubatana. Pamberi ne gwara reMusangano. Pasi neMhandu. Phambili le ZANU PF. Phambili lokubambana. Phansi labathengisi.”
As the ZANU PF gathers in Bulawayo, the sentiments of unity and development resonate strongly, setting a determined tone for the discussions ahead. The conference is expected to focus on enhancing economic strategies, strengthening party structures, and uniting the membership to overcome the challenges facing Zimbabwe.
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