Preparations for the 23rd Zanu-PF Annual National People’s Conference have reached the final stage, with delegates expected to begin arriving today for accreditation at Chinhoyi University of Technology (CUT) in Mashonaland West Province.
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Read E-PaperAbout 7,500 delegates are expected to attend the October 12 to 17 conference, which is being positioned as a platform for translating party resolutions into practical development programmes.
Addressing the inaugural President’s Ball in Harare on Saturday, a fundraising dinner that raised US$6 million for the conference, President Emmerson Mnangagwa called for outcomes that would bring tangible benefits to ordinary Zimbabweans.
Mnangagwa, who is also Zanu PF First Secretary, said the conference should deliver results that are “measurable, transformative and impactful”.
He urged political leaders and the business community to prioritise national development and intensify efforts towards achieving Vision 2030, which seeks to transform Zimbabwe into an empowered, upper middle-income society.
The conference is running under the theme, “From Resolutions to Results: Consolidating Economic Development and Deepening Empowerment towards Vision 2030”.
The President also expressed confidence that business and industry would contribute to the implementation of National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2) while operating within the law and fulfilling their obligations.
Hosting the conference has also accelerated development initiatives in Chinhoyi, particularly the expansion of the city’s water supply system.
The project is expected to raise water production from approximately 22 megalitres to nearly 88 megalitres a day, easing persistent shortages while supporting the growth of new residential and commercial developments.
One of the projects expected to benefit is the proposed 28-hectare Trabablas City, with a groundbreaking ceremony anticipated during the conference.
Zanu PF Mashonaland West provincial chairperson Mary Mliswa-Chikoka said extensive preparations had been undertaken in collaboration with government departments, security agencies and other stakeholders.
She said the province was completing arrangements covering transport, accommodation, security, logistics and protocol ahead of the arrival of party leaders and delegates.
“We look forward to welcoming the leadership, delegates and visitors to Chinhoyi and Mashonaland West Province. Our priority is to ensure a smooth, orderly and successful conference,” she said.
Provincial Affairs Minister Marian Chombo encouraged small and medium enterprises to take advantage of the gathering to promote their goods and services to visitors.
“This is an opportunity for everyone in business, particularly our upcoming entrepreneurs, to market their products and services. You never know where such an opportunity can lead,” she said.
However, the arrival of thousands of delegates has placed pressure on accommodation facilities in Chinhoyi.
CUT Hotel, reportedly the town’s only star-rated hotel, is fully booked until October 18, while lodges and student boarding facilities have also reached capacity.
The shortage has forced some delegates and service providers to seek alternative accommodation through private arrangements, while others are staying with relatives and friends.
Some residents are also opening their homes to visitors, with accommodation demand creating opportunities for households able to provide lodging during the conference.
The gathering is expected to bring together party leaders, government officials, business representatives and other stakeholders to discuss economic development, empowerment and the implementation of party resolutions in line with Vision 2030.
