'Unstoppable Zanu-PF engine of the nation'

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has called on Zanu-PF to intensify membership growth, strategic planning, and mobilisation as the ruling party positions itself for Zimbabwe's next harmonised general elections.

Delivering the keynote address at the 22nd Annual National People's Conference at Mutare Polytechnic yesterday, Mnangagwa said Zanu-PF must remain steadfast in defending national unity, peace, democracy, and sovereignty, while honouring the fallen heroes who sacrificed their lives for Zimbabwe's independence and prosperity.

Under the theme "Attainment of Vision 2030 through Economic Empowerment and Value Addition", the conference provides a platform to refine the ongoing people-centred revolution aimed at modernising and industrialising the country.

"Focus must be on guaranteeing the growth of our party membership in readiness for the harmonised general elections. Responsive strategies and approaches must be advanced to consolidate the visibility and influence of the Women, Youth, and Veterans Leagues," Mnangagwa said.

He stressed that political mobilisation is a daily responsibility across all party structures, encouraging cadres to recruit new members from diverse backgrounds and harness their skills for the "ultimate good" of the revolutionary movement.

Mnangagwa highlighted the importance of implementing the National Development Strategy (NDS) 2 and ensuring that grassroots empowerment initiatives continue under the auspices of the party's leagues. He emphasised that no community should be left behind in development programmes.

"Our colossal mass party is indeed the engine-room of national development, a responsibility we do not take lightly. The collective wisdom of this National People's Conference must be harnessed to proffer innovative programmes to accelerate ongoing development processes," he said.

The President reiterated that Zanu-PF is a party of unity and discipline, warning against tribalism, regionalism, and corruption. "Corruption, corruption, corruption, of any kind, has no place among the rank and file of the party membership and indeed, in our country. It is cancerous to the ongoing national development agenda," he said.

Mnangagwa also dismissed critics who tarnish Zimbabwe's image, asserting that the country is a constitutional democracy governed by strong institutions. "Nyika ino haitongwi pasocial media. Hayisi yekutamba nayo; yakatengwa neropa rerusununguko, ropa revana veZimbabwe vakarara kumasango. Pasi nenhubu," he said.

He praised Manicaland Province for hosting a smooth conference and acknowledged the province's historical contribution to the liberation struggle. "Manicaland has a rich revolutionary history. Communities here generously hosted many of the country's sons and daughters who joined the armed liberation struggle," Mnangagwa said.

The conference, which closes today, seeks to consolidate the party's revolutionary principles while preparing Zanu-PF to lead Zimbabwe towards Vision 2030, ensuring an empowered, upper-middle-income society.