Zanu PF turns to business for conference funding

Zanu PF has renewed efforts to raise funds from the business community ahead of its 23rd National People's Conference, with the party planning a final fundraising dinner targeting companies, miners, farmers and other economic players.

The appeal was made at a press conference in Harare, where Zanu PF Secretary for Information and Publicity Christopher Mutsvangwa and national resource mobilisation committee chairperson Philip Chiyangwa outlined the party's plans to mobilise additional resources for the October gathering.

Chiyangwa said the party would organise a final dinner for businesspeople who had not yet contributed towards the conference.

"We have now decided that there will be a final celebration dinner for the president with every other business actor who we have probably ignored," he said.

He said details of the date, venue and invited businesspeople would be announced later.

Mutsvangwa said contributions were voluntary but urged businesses and other economic players who supported Zanu PF to demonstrate that support financially.

"Can you now vote for the same party by your pockets? Just to say thank you. It's a voluntary affair," he said.

He specifically appealed to small-scale miners, farmers and companies to contribute towards the conference, which is scheduled for October 12 to 17 at Chinhoyi University of Technology.

The latest fundraising drive follows a Mashonaland West provincial fundraising dinner held in August, which raised more than US$560 000 in cash and pledges towards preparations for the conference.

The event brought together business executives, farmers, mining players and other stakeholders. Among the contributors was Zanu PF Central Committee member Kudakwashe Tagwirei, who pledged US$100 000, while several companies and senior party officials also made contributions.

Zanu PF had previously directed its provincial structures to mobilise resources for the national gathering, with each province expected to contribute towards the costs of hosting delegates.

Preparations for the Chinhoyi conference are already reported to be more than 80 percent complete, with tents being erected and ablution facilities nearing completion at the venue.

Mutsvangwa also credited President Emmerson Mnangagwa's administration with creating what he described as a favourable environment for business and encouraged economic players to support the conference through their contributions.

The renewed fundraising appeal places the business community at the centre of Zanu PF's efforts to raise additional resources ahead of the October conference.