'Zanu PF will rule until donkeys grow horns'

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has declared that Zanu PF is "here to stay," invoking a famous remark by the late Vice President Simon Vengesayi Muzenda that the ruling party would remain in power "kusvikira madhongi amera nyanga"—loosely translated as "until donkeys grow horns."

Addressing the 27th Ordinary Session of the National Consultative Assembly (NCA) in Harare on Friday, Mnangagwa said his generation was committed to ensuring the party's continued dominance.

"Zanu PF is modernising; we are here to stay. As our late national hero and Vice President 'Cde Mzee' Simon Vengesayi Muzenda once said, 'Zanu PF ichatonga kusvikira madhongi amera nyanga'. This generation will do its part to realise this dream," he told delegates.

Mnangagwa used the gathering to urge party leaders to strengthen unity, accelerate modernisation and focus on people-centred development aimed at improving the lives of Zimbabweans.

"Our colossal revolutionary mass party remains unwavering in its commitment to the empowerment and an improved quality of life for our people. The modernisation, industrialisation and broader national development agenda of our beloved motherland, Zimbabwe, continues to gain momentum," he said.

The National Consultative Assembly is one of Zanu PF's highest advisory bodies, bringing together members of the Central Committee, the Women's League National Assembly and its deputies, the 10 provincial executive councils, and former Central Committee members recognised for their contribution to the liberation struggle.

Describing the Assembly as "indispensable," Mnangagwa challenged delegates to generate practical recommendations to strengthen party structures ahead of the 23rd National People's Conference, which will be hosted by Mashonaland West.

He commended ongoing organisational reforms, including leadership training programmes, ideological seminars and constitutional workshops, saying the operationalisation of all 11 Standing Committees of the Central Committee marked an important step towards improving internal democracy and accountability.

Mnangagwa also directed the Office of the Secretary General to establish a modern archive to preserve Zanu PF's liberation history and document the contributions of key party figures.

On technology, he encouraged members to embrace innovation to improve communication, efficiency and service delivery within the party.

The President further hailed Zimbabwe's election to the United Nations Security Council for the 2027–2028 term and the country's forthcoming assumption of the chairmanship of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), describing both developments as evidence of growing international confidence in Zimbabwe's diplomacy.