Zanu-PF raises US$500,000 for Conference

Zanu-PF Mashonaland West province has raised more than US$500,000 in cash and pledges, surpassing its US$300,000 target towards preparations for the party's 23rd National People's Conference in Chinhoyi in October.

The funds were raised during a fundraising dinner held at a Harare hotel on Friday, which brought together business executives, prominent farmers, mining companies and other stakeholders.

The conference is scheduled to take place from October 12 to 17 at the Chinhoyi University of Technology.

Zanu-PF Central Committee member and Senator-designate Dr Kudakwashe Tagwirei, who was the guest of honour, pledged US$100,000 towards the preparations.

Politburo members and senior provincial leaders Ziyambi Ziyambi, Christopher Mutsvangwa, Douglas Mombeshora, Polite Kambamura and Vangelis Haritatos collectively contributed US$50,000.

Monica Mutsvangwa donated a further US$10,000 in cash.

Companies including Pinnacle Holdings, owned by businessman Dr Philip Chiyangwa, Geo Pomona and CAG also made financial contributions during the event. CAG additionally pledged 50 cattle.

In a speech read on his behalf by Bridging Gaps chief operations director Charles Chitambo, Tagwirei said Zimbabwe's economic development required collaboration between Government, business, communities, professionals and other sectors.

He said no single sector could transform the economy on its own and called for stronger partnerships involving established companies, emerging businesses, universities, financial institutions, entrepreneurs and innovation hubs.

"The party cannot build the economy on its own, Government cannot build the economy alone, business, professionals and communities cannot build the economy alone. We must build together, hence this fundraising dinner for the conference," he said.

Tagwirei also called for greater participation by young people in innovation, technology and research, while encouraging stronger partnerships between Zimbabwean companies and international investors, particularly in mining, technology and innovation.

Zanu-PF Secretary for Information and Publicity Christopher Mutsvangwa said Mashonaland West had a longstanding tradition of "leading by example", dating back to Zimbabwe's liberation struggles.

"We are going to host the best conference ever in the history of the ruling party. Mashonaland West has a history of leading by example," he said.

Mutsvangwa said the province's preparations demonstrated its commitment to ensuring a successful conference.

Meanwhile, Zanu-PF Mashonaland West provincial chairperson Mary Mliswa-Chikoka highlighted the province's relationship with business and industry as one of its key strengths.

She said sectors including mining, agriculture, tourism, manufacturing, construction and financial services had strategic importance to the province's development.

The fundraising comes as the ruling party prepares to host thousands of delegates and other stakeholders for its annual national conference in Chinhoyi.