Tailored ED policies spark urban shift

Itai Mazire

President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s tailored economic policies crafted to steer Zimbabwe towards an upper middle-income economy by 2030 are reshaping political attitudes in major cities, with senior party officials reporting renewed urban confidence in ZANU PF’s modernisation agenda.

This was said by ZANU PF Harare Provincial Political Commissar, Cde Voyage Dambuza.

He said the ruling party’s resurgence in urban areas was a direct result of deliberate economic and infrastructural interventions by the President, whose development thrust continues to resonate strongly with city residents.

“The President’s policies, which are tailor-made for the attainment of an upper middle-income economy by 2030, explain the large numbers of people turning up to endorse Conference Resolution Number One and its implementation,” he said.

Cde Dambuza credited President Mnangagwa for transforming the national economic landscape through massive infrastructure rehabilitation, empowerment programmes and a clear stance on poverty eradication.

“The rejuvenation of ZANU PF in urban areas is due to the massive investment President Mnangagwa has made in rebuilding the economy and infrastructure.
His transformative agenda is resonating with the urban population,” he said.

Cde Dambuza said President Mnangagwa had outsmarted economic saboteurs while empowering a new generation of black business leaders who are reinvesting in the party that opened opportunities for them.

“The entry of entrepreneurs like Cde Kuda Tagwirei into mainstream politics has been necessitated by the President’s leadership and policies. Black business leaders are now ploughing back into the party because they have been empowered,” said Cde Dambuza.

He noted that inter-district meetings, which are currently unpacking people-centred conference resolutions, were focused on tackling poverty and opening economic spaces for Harare residents.

Cde Dambuza also emphasised that Government policy on reserved sectors was being implemented to ensure Zimbabweans benefit without interference from foreigners.

“We are now living in exciting times. Conference resolved that our people must be allowed to enjoy reserved sectors fully, and this is a critical pillar in lifting citizens out of poverty,” he said.

Political analyst Rutendo Benson Matinyarare reinforced the view that ZANU PF’s modernised and economically driven posture was attracting growing urban support.

He said the party’s youthful energy, strengthened by the emergence of business-minded figures such as Tagwirei, Obey Chimuka, Scott Sakupwanya and Wicknell Chivayo, had positioned ZANU PF as a forward-looking political force.

“Where the opposition once appeared young and vibrant, ZANU PF is now the party that looks modern, progressive and exciting.
The President’s policies have revitalised the national economy and redefined the political narrative,” said Mr Matinyarare.

Analysts say that as the nation moves closer to 2030, urban residents appear increasingly responsive to tangible economic reforms, infrastructure upgrades and empowerment initiatives key elements of the President’s Vision 2030 blueprint.

This momentum translates into long-term political shifts that will become clearer in the coming electoral cycles, but for now, ZANU PF officials say the party’s modernisation drive is firmly taking root in metropolitan centres.