President Demands Loyalty as ZANU PF Sets Course for 2026

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has reaffirmed that ZANU PF remains a party founded on discipline, order and adherence to established rules, warning that individuals pursuing selfish interests or divisive agendas will not be tolerated within its ranks.

Speaking during the 130th Ordinary Session of the ZANU PF Central Committee held at the party headquarters in Harare yesterday, President Mnangagwa challenged party leaders to remain alert, united and committed to the organisation’s ideological principles.

He emphasised that party leadership carries a greater responsibility to safeguard the liberation legacy and prevent complacency, internal divisions and deviation from the party’s guiding values.

According to the President, ZANU PF operates under clear structures and procedures that must be respected at all times, stressing that the party has no space for individuals driven by personal ambitions at the expense of collective goals.

He further underscored the importance of unquestionable loyalty among members, noting that unity, discipline and dedication would be critical as the party navigates the country’s current socio-economic and political phase.

President Mnangagwa described the Central Committee as a key pillar of the party, tasked with providing direction and leadership during a crucial period for national development. He urged members to demonstrate patriotism, clarity of vision and commitment to party ideals.

Reflecting on recent electoral successes in Nkulumane Constituency, Chikomba Rural District Council, Chegutu West Ward 1 and Matobo Ward 13 by-elections, the President said the results showed continued public confidence in ZANU PF. He attributed the victories to grassroots mobilisation, people-centred policies and the dedication of party structures.

Despite the wins, he cautioned against complacency, encouraging members to intensify engagement with communities in pursuit of improved living standards for citizens.

On economic matters, President Mnangagwa commended party supporters for backing Government initiatives focused on value addition and mineral beneficiation, in line with resolutions adopted at last year’s National People’s Conference in Mutare. He said the country’s mineral wealth and export earnings should translate into tangible benefits for all Zimbabweans.

He added that Government and private sector stakeholders were working together to strengthen economic resilience through innovative solutions. Meanwhile, rehabilitation of roads and bridges damaged by heavy rains is ongoing, while prospects for the agricultural sector remain promising, with expectations of another strong summer harvest.

The President said the Central Committee meeting provided an opportunity to review progress and refine strategies following a recent high-level strategic workshop held in Gweru. Lessons from the gathering, particularly around ideology, discipline and organisational conduct, should continue guiding party operations.

He highlighted the implementation of resolutions from the 22nd National People’s Conference and the rollout of National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2) as central priorities going forward. Party programmes, he said, must align with the evolving needs and aspirations of citizens while responding effectively to global and domestic economic changes.

President Mnangagwa also called on leaders to keep party structures mobilised and informed, encouraging citizens to increase productivity at household and community levels to improve overall livelihoods.

He urged ZANU PF to lead by example in promoting resilience, vigilance and national unity, adding that the determination which enabled Government to meet targets under NDS1 should be strengthened during the implementation of NDS2.

The President further appealed for heightened patriotism and national consciousness, particularly in light of global uncertainties, including ongoing conflict in the Middle East. He said unity and sound governance must remain priorities for both the party and the nation.

Reaffirming national ownership, he reminded members that Zimbabwe belongs to its citizens and must be built, governed and protected by them collectively.

President Mnangagwa also stressed the importance of Standing Committees within the Central Committee, saying their effective operation would enhance policy coordination, accountability and oversight. Regular meetings, he said, would strengthen internal democracy, collective leadership and organisational efficiency.

He concluded by noting that continuous modernisation of party systems is essential for ZANU PF to remain people-centred and capable of steering Zimbabwe towards its Vision 2030 goal of attaining upper-middle-income status.

Yesterday’s gathering marked the Central Committee’s first meeting of the year and is expected to shape the party’s programmes and priorities for 2026.