24th March - ZAPU UK-EU's Finest Hour
In his opening remarks Mr Muvirmi praised the dedication of ZAPU cadres and their undying love for ZAPU; "with this spirit, with this love for the party and with this sacrifice, i can safely confirm that ZAPU will be the next government", he reflected. After the true National Anthem was sung, Mr Reginald Mhlanga and Mrs Mhlanga led the crowd in revolutionary songs, which saw many shed tears in reminiscence of the good old days, when ZPRA was the most formidable fighting force on the African continent, which brought down the Rhodesian Front on its knees. Mr Mhlanga said that the reconnection with the past was a sure way of propelling the struggle to the future, and that a party with a solid foundation like ZAPU, should always be inspired by its heroic history inorder to move forward without fear or any favour.
The business of the day was well planned and well executed, the efficiency was unrivalled. The discipline and organisation of the event was inch perfect, it proved the maturity and the coming of age of ZAPU UK/EU province. It became clear that ZAPU in the UK/EU has moved beyond its problems, which in the past kept it running in circles like a small dog. Interviewing Mr Thobani Ncube on the sidelines of the conference, as to why the ZAPU spirit seems to be getting stronger, he said, "...ZAPU's sophistication lies in its simplicity, its simplicity is its strength, which is drawn from its symbiotic relationship with the masses; ZAPU is a party which is truly led by its supporters, unlike any other Zimbabwean political parties which are run like private fiefdoms".
A dynamic Executive Committee, with a good mix of talents, age and expertise was elected. Mr Christopher Maphosa, formerly the District Chair of London, was elected as the PEC Chair, deputised by Mr Panyika Karimanzira. A rare spectacle was witnessed when Mr Maphosa embraced his running mate, Mr Arthur Molife and showered him with praises and described him as an exemplary and visionary leader who successfully led ZAPU under difficulty circumstances. Mr Molife pledged/promised that he will assist the newly elected committee whenever his support is needed, he wished the new chair and his executive committee a resounding success intheir task to grow ZAPU's membership and congratulated them for a fair campaign and election.
Mr Maphosa in his victory speech emphasised on the unity of the party and clearly articulated his vision and the task which his executive will be faced with. "I am humbled by your confidence in me today, i am a man who does not make many promises, by today it is one of those rare occasions when i feel empowered and inspired to make one, i promise to work hard for the party, i promise that my executive committee will bring unity in this province; i promise that we shall work tirelessly to mobilise resources for the party; everybody shall have a role to play, whether you did not make it today, it does not matter, whether you did not stand today, it does not matter, from here, today, we are one, one team ZAPU, all your contributions shall be welcomed and shall help to transform the fortunes of ZAPU in the UK/EU province.
It was clear that a new leader was born today in Birmingham, Mr Maphosa is such a forceful and powerful speaker, yet, his voice remains melodious and piercingly sharper than a needle. Next to me was a beautiful woman, who identified herself as a MaBhebhe, she couldnt stop crying in joy when Mr Maphosa incandescently delivered his short but highly enlightening speech. What remains to be seen in the fullness of time is whether Mr Maphosa will harness the goodwill and support which the ZAPU supporters gave him by voting him overwhelmingly, so far he started on a positive and mature manner.
In his closing remarks, Mr Mhlanga advised the new cahir and his new executive committee on how to work and relate with people. He said "Maphosa, today, if you feel empowered and start to seek revenge, instead of working towards uniting the party, you and your executive will fail and you would have betrayed these people who elected you today "
