Good day Zimbabwe!
Today we are coming to you live from Mutare Polytechnic College, the venue of the Zanu PF 22nd National People’s Conference.
President Mnangagwa is set to officially open the conference, which is the heart of political discourse for the ruling party.
This conference is not just an event; it’s a critical platform for introspection and accountability, igniting robust debates and setting the stage for a transformative vision that resonates with the aspirations of the people.
At least 3 000 delegates drawn from across the country converged in Mutare yesterday (Thursday) for the conference.
Stay tuned as we bring you live updates and exclusive insights from this event.
Mutare Poly buzzes with anticipation
The mood is electric at Mutare Polytechnic College as delegates gather in anticipation of the official opening of the Zanu PF 22nd National People’s Conference.
The air is thick with excitement, as vibrant clothes and banners adorn the venue.
As the countdown to President Mnangagwa’s address begins, delegates are engaging in spirited discussions, sharing their hopes and aspirations for the future, while music echo through the corridors.
In the main hall, organisers have ensured that every detail is perfect for the momentous occasion.
The atmosphere buzzes with a sense of unity and purpose, as everyone present recognises the importance of this conference in shaping the nation’s economic landscape.
All you need to know about Mutare, venue of the Zanu PF Conference
The City of Mutare is the provincial capital of Manicaland Province.
It is located about 265km from Harare and 300km from the Port of Beira in Mozambique. This makes it Zimbabwe’s gateway to the sea. The strategic location of the city along the Zimbabwe-Beira route gives it several advantages in promoting local and international trade.
Mutare has an excellent road and rail transportation system that links it with major towns and cities in Zimbabwe and the neighbouring Mozambique.
Grand Reef and Mutare Airdrome provide two air transport facilities.
Mutare is the third largest city in Zimbabwe.
It has great opportunities for business development, agriculture, mining, trade, manufacturing industry, housing and tourism.
Who is attending the conference?
A total of 3 000 delegates are attending the Zanu PF Annual National People’s Conference.
This year’s conference has a lower number of delegates compared to previous years, as the party believes leaner delegations are the international gold standard at such occasions.
By having leaner delegations, Zanu PF believes that this will allow for more focused deliberations.
Article 6 Section 33 of the Zanu PF Constitution stipulates the composition of the conference.
This includes members of the:
Central Committee
Council of Elders
National Consultative Assembly
National Council of the Women’s League
National Council of the Youth League
Council of the War Veterans, Ex-Political Prisoners, Detainees and Restrictees League
Provincial Coordinating Committees, District Coordinating Committees, as determined by the Central Committee from time to time;
District Executive Committees, as determined by the Central Committee from time to time.
International delegates. These include members of sister political parties from the Sadc region, foreign diplomats attached to Zimbabwe, members of Diaspora districts and affiliate organisations.
There are also invited guests, including Government officials, State enterprises, private companies, non-governmental organisations and other individuals who have been invited in their private capacity.
President arrives in Mutare
Delegates have gathered at Grand Reef Aerodrome in Mutare to welcome President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
Vice President Dr Constantino Chiwenga and his wife Colonel Miniyothambo Baloyi-Chiwenga, as well as Vice President Kembo Mohadi, have arrived to welcome the President.
Speaker of Parliament, Honourable Jacob Mudenda; Deputy Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Development, Honourable Joshua Sacco; Minister of State for Manicaland Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Minister Misheck Mugadza and Manicaland Provincial Party Chairperson, Cde Tawanda Mukodza, as well as JOC members are also here to welcome the President.
Soon after arrival, the President proceeded to Mutare Polytechnic, where he is set to officially open the conference, running under the theme “Attainment of Vision 2030 through Economic Empowerment and Value Addition.”
Meanwhile, the city remains abuzz with activity as the historic event continues to draw nationwide attention.
VPs, Chairman arrive
Vice Presidents Dr Constantino Chiwenga and Cde Kembo Mohadi have entered the main venue and taken their seats on the high table.
National Chairman Cde Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri has also arrived.
President Mnangagwa arrives
Zanu PF First Secretary and President, Cde Mnangagwa has entered the main auditorium for the official opening of the ruling party’s 22nd Annual National People’s Conference.
He was received by the delegates with jubilation.
The national anthem is now being sang to kickstart the programme.
Cde Machacha kick starts programme
National Political Commissar, Cde Munyaradzi Machacha says the conference is taking place at a time when everyone is happy with the developments taking place in the country.
He invites Zanu PF Secretary General, Advocate Jacob Mudenda to give his remarks to mark the official commencement of the programme.
SG Mudenda declares conference duly convened
Zanu PF Secretary General, Advocate Jacob Mudenda has read out the sections of the party Constitution that outline the holding of the People’s Conference.
He declares the conference duly convened.
The Secretary General, energises the auditorium with a spirited recitation of the party slogan.
Manicaland Chair welcomes delegates
Zanu PF Manicaland Provincial Chair, Cde Tawanda Mukodza is now giving his welcome remarks.
He says the province is grateful to President Mnangagwa for spearheading development in Manicaland.
“As a province, we are happy with the developments being done by President Mnangagwa and we have resolved that he should continue leading the country until 2030.”
Advocate Mugadza emphasises Manicaland’s commitment to Vision 2030
The Minister of State for Manicaland Province, Advocate Misheck Mugadza is now welcoming delegates
Advocate Mugadza highlighted Manicaland’s clear path towards achieving Vision 2030.
“We all wish you to be there in 2030,” he says, noting that the conference offers a vital opportunity to establish the policy framework needed for the province to effectively harness its resources and drive economic growth.
Advocate Mugadza also celebrated Manicaland’s success in hosting the Sanganai Tourism Expo, describing it as a shining example of the positive impact of devolution and decentralisation.
“There is no better demonstration of the success of your iconic trust in devolution and decentralisation. We thank you, Your Excellency,” he said.
Delegates attending conference
SG Mudenda is now doing a roll call of the provinces, with each being given a chance to sing a song and do the party slogan.
He gave a rundown of the number of delegates from each province.
Number of delegates attending this year’ annual conference:
Bulawayo – 202
Harare – 287
Manicaland – 255
Mash central – 237
Mash east – 247
Mash west – 227
Masvingo – 268
Mat north – 199
Mat south – 209
Midlands -245
Cde Muchinguri-Kashiri urges delegates to drive economic empowerment
Zanu PF National Chairman, Cde Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri, has delivered her opening remarks at the 22nd National People’s Conference, setting the tone for a focused and strategic gathering.
“The conference is meant to take stock on how we fared in terms of the state of our party, Government, economy, social services, and our environment since our last conference in 2024,” she said.
“As delegates, we are leaders representing our constituencies who expect us to relay comprehensive feedback to them upon return.”
Highlighting the evolution of the conference since the advent of the Second Republic, she described it as a serious forum for the exchange of ideas to strengthen the mass party.
“Conferences have evolved into serious business forums characterised by symbiotic exchange of ideas on how to propel our mass party from strength to strength towards the attainment of Vision 2030.”
She underscored the theme of the conference, emphasising its relevance:
“Our theme for this year’s conference, ‘Attainment of Vision 2030 through Economic Empowerment in Value Addition,’ is timely and befitting as it allows precipitation of strategic ideas as we transition from National Development Strategy 1 to National Development Strategy 2.”
She concluded by inviting Vice President Dr Constantino Chiwenga to give his remarks and introduce the guest of honour, President Mnangagwa.
VP Chiwenga highlights Mutare’s historic significance
Zanu PF Second Secretary and Vice President, Dr Constantino Chiwenga, has taken to the podium to deliver his remarks.
Dr Chiwenga emphasised the profound symbolism of holding the conference in Mutare, noting the city’s pivotal role in Zimbabwe’s liberation struggle.
“Holding this conference in Mutare is profoundly symbolic as Mutare occupies a sacred place in the liberation story of our country,” he said.
He said Mutare is a critical gateway through which thousands of Zimbabwean freedom fighters crossed into Mozambique to wage the struggle for independence.
“Through these mountains behind us and valleys, they slipped across the border—young, determined, and full of conviction—to break to bases such as Chimoio, Nyadzonya, and Tembwe in Mozambique,” Dr Chiwenga explained.
He finishes his remarks and invites President Mnangagwa to the podium.
Zanu PF is the engine room of national development – President Mnangagwa
Zanu PF First Secretary and President, Cde Mnangagwa, is now delivering his keynote address at the 22nd National People’s Conference.
He praises the leadership demonstrated across all levels of Zanu PF.
“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, right across to productivity, industrialisation as well as modernisation of the economy,” says the President.
He underscores the party’s pivotal role as the driving force behind national development.
“Our colossal mass party Zanu PF is indeed the engine room of national development, a responsibility which we do not take lightly,” the President affirms.
He calls on the collective wisdom of the conference delegates to generate innovative programmes that will accelerate ongoing development processes.
Emphasising the party’s enduring identity, President Mnangagwa says, “In marching forward, the DNA of Zanu PF will never change and must never be tampered with. The party must not shy away from continuously adapting and responding to the requirements of the changing times.”
He points to new realities such as urbanisation, increased ICT usage, and a highly mobile, educated, and empowered population.
“Our Vision 2030 is fast approaching. Accordingly, party strategies and programmes should be ready to lead an empowered upper middle-income society.”
He also calls on all party members to internalize the Zanu PF constitution and adhere to the correct party line.
“This will guide the party throughout any periods of modernisation and transformation, individually and collectively. Through actions, speech and conduct, every cadre of the party has a duty to guarantee the dominance and the popularity of Zanu PF.”
VP Mohadi delivers vote of thanks
Zanu PF Second Secretary and Vice President, Cde Kembo Mohadi is now delivering a vote of thanks.
He calls for a unified focus and collective effort to build Zimbabwe’s economy under the guidance of the party.
“Our collective energy, our very thoughts, our every action must be channelled in one direction, pulling together to build our economy under the clear direction of the party,” he emphasises.
“Your Excellency, your keynote address today is telling us to constantly reflect on the future of our party. This is not a call for minor adjustments, but for a deliberate and cautious evolution.”
Cde Mohadi stresses the importance of evolving Zanu PF into a modern party that plays a continuous role in national development.
“We must now continue to build a modern party—a party that transcends its traditional role. Not a party that awakens only when elections are by the corner, but a party that is a living and breathing vehicle for day-to-day development and continuous economic empowerment.”
He highlights the critical role of the party’s structure at all levels.
“Our party structure, from the national to the cell or village level, must be the primary engine driving our people towards prosperity.”
