By Leeroy Willie in Mutare

ZANU PF First Secretary and President, Cde Emmerson Mnangagwa, has praised the leadership demonstrated by all levels of the party across various sectors of society.

Speaking at the ZANU PF 22nd National People’s Conference in Mutare, the President urged party officials to continue promoting peace and unity as they work together to tackle the country’s challenges.

“It is pleasing that all structures of ZANU PF have shown leadership in every area of our society — from building stronger families, fighting drug and substance abuse, to increasing productivity, industrialisation, and modernisation of the economy,” said the President.

He emphasised the party’s pivotal role as the driving force behind national progress.

“Our colossal mass party, ZANU PF, is indeed the engine room of national development — a responsibility we do not take lightly,” he affirmed.

President Mnangagwa called on delegates to harness their collective wisdom to develop innovative programmes that will accelerate ongoing development efforts.

Reinforcing the party’s enduring identity, he said:

“As we march forward, the DNA of ZANU PF will never change and must never be tampered with. However, the party must continue to adapt and respond to the demands of changing times.”

He highlighted the importance of addressing new realities such as urbanisation, rapid ICT growth, and an increasingly mobile, educated, and empowered population.

“Our Vision 2030 is fast approaching. Therefore, party strategies and programmes must be aligned to lead an empowered upper middle-income society.”

The President also urged all members to internalise the ZANU PF constitution and uphold the correct party line.

“This will guide the party through all periods of modernisation and transformation — both individually and collectively. Through their actions, speech, and conduct, every cadre of the party has a duty to safeguard the dominance and popularity of ZANU PF,” he said.

President Emmerson Mnangagwa, the ZANU PF First Secretary, is set to present a comprehensive Government performance report at the ongoing ZANU PF National People’s Conference in Mutare.

The annual conference provides a crucial platform for party members to review national progress, assess policy implementation, and measure how effectively the Government entrusted by ZANU PF to govern has advanced the country’s development agenda.

Addressing the media in Harare yesterday, ZANU PF spokesperson Ambassador Chris Mutsvangwa described the gathering as an important accountability mechanism that allows party members to evaluate achievements and challenges over the past year.

“This annual conference is essentially a review process between congresses,” said Ambassador Mutsvangwa.

“It gives our members an opportunity to question what has been done during the year as we work towards fulfilling our covenant with the people of Zimbabwe. The President will present a detailed outline of the Government’s work and progress.”

Ambassador Mutsvangwa emphasized that while ZANU PF empowers the Government to administer on its behalf, the party retains oversight to ensure effective service delivery and adherence to electoral commitments.

“ZANU PF doesn’t govern in place of the Government, but we have a supervisory role over ministers and agencies tasked with implementing policies that meet the aspirations of the people,” he said.
“Our mission is clear — to ensure every Zimbabwean enjoys a better quality of life.”

He added that the party remains conscious of its responsibility to maintain public trust through tangible results.

“ZANU PF takes its mandate from the people very seriously. If we fail to deliver, we lose that mandate. That’s why these conferences are critical — they keep us accountable and focused on national progress,” said Ambassador Mutsvangwa.

The Mutare conference is expected to attract between 2,000 and 3,000 delegates from across all provinces, representing various party structures including provincial, district, branch, and cell levels.

“Our party is structured from the grassroots upwards,” Mutsvangwa noted.
“That tradition stems from our liberation struggle when we had to build strong community-based structures to challenge colonial domination.”

He also highlighted renewed optimism within ZANU PF ranks, pointing to positive developments from recent Central Committee and Politburo meetings.

“Reports from the Central Committee and Politburo show that the governance framework is generating hope,” he said.
“The hope that once seemed lost before 2017 has been restored. There’s a growing confidence and can-do spirit among Zimbabweans.”

Ambassador Mutsvangwa concluded by reaffirming the party’s commitment to democratic principles, saying ZANU PF continues to respect the will of the people and strives to ensure that governance remains people-centered.

Mutare has taken centre stage this week as thousands of ZANU PF members and delegates from all provinces gather for the ruling party’s 22nd Annual National People’s Conference, which President Emmerson Mnangagwa is expected to officially open today.

The week-long event comes after crucial Politburo and Central Committee meetings held earlier in Harare, both chaired by the President, and will run until Saturday.

During his visit, President Mnangagwa is also set to preside over the commissioning of two major development projects the Mega Market Milling Plant and the National Pharmaceutical Warehouse located at Victoria Chitepo Provincial Hospital in Mutare.

As part of the conference traditions, the President will plant a commemorative tree at the venue, symbolising continuity, renewal, and growth within the party.

This year’s gathering, being held at Mutare Polytechnic College grounds, carries the theme “Attainment of Vision 2030 through Economic Empowerment and Value Addition.”

Foreign diplomats and invited international guests are expected to attend and deliver messages of solidarity, while the conference will also feature a vibrant business exhibition showcasing local enterprise and innovation.