Zanu-PF Conference kicks off in Chinhoyi; Hotel, lodges fully booked

Preparations for the 23rd Zanu-PF Annual National People's Conference have been completed, with about 7 500 delegates expected to converge on Chinhoyi University of Technology (CUT) in Mashonaland West Province for the October 12–17 gathering.

Delegates are expected to begin arriving today for accreditation ahead of the conference, which is being held under the theme, "From Resolutions to Results: Consolidating Economic Development and Deepening Empowerment towards Vision 2030".

The gathering is expected to focus on translating party policies into tangible economic development and improving livelihoods as Zimbabwe pursues its Vision 2030 goal of becoming an empowered, upper middle-income society.

Speaking at the inaugural President's Ball fundraising dinner in Harare on Saturday, President Emmerson Mnangagwa, who is also Zanu-PF First Secretary, urged delegates to ensure that the conference produces practical outcomes that benefit ordinary citizens.

He said the value of the conference should be "measurable, transformative and impactful", stressing the need for leaders to prioritise the country's development aspirations.

Mnangagwa also expressed confidence that business and industry would play a leading role in advancing National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2), while complying with the law and meeting their obligations.

The conference has already provided impetus for infrastructure development in the host province, particularly through the planned expansion of Chinhoyi's water supply system.

The project is expected to increase water supply from about 22 megalitres to nearly 88 megalitres per day, easing persistent shortages and supporting the town's anticipated growth.

The expansion is also expected to support the proposed 28-hectare Trabablas City development, with a groundbreaking ceremony for the new urban project anticipated during the conference week.

Zanu-PF Mashonaland West provincial chairperson Mary Mliswa-Chikoka said preparations had been intensive, involving coordination between Government, security services and other stakeholders.

She said teams had been conducting final checks on logistics, accommodation, transport, security and protocol to ensure the smooth running of the event.

"We look forward to welcoming the leadership, delegates and visitors to Chinhoyi and Mashonaland West Province. Our priority is to ensure a smooth, orderly and successful conference," she said.

Mashonaland West Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Marian Chombo urged small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to take advantage of the gathering to promote their products and services.

"This is an opportunity for everyone in business, particularly our upcoming entrepreneurs, to market their products and services. You never know where such an opportunity can lead," she said.

However, the influx of delegates has placed considerable pressure on accommodation in Chinhoyi, with visitors struggling to secure suitable places to stay.

CUT Hotel, the town's only star-rated accommodation facility, is fully booked until October 18, while lodges and student boarding houses have also reportedly reached capacity.

The shortage has forced some delegates and service providers to make private accommodation arrangements, with some residents opening their homes to visitors for a fee.

Others are relying on relatives and friends for accommodation during the conference.

The gathering is expected to bring together party leaders, Government officials, business representatives and other stakeholders to deliberate on economic development, empowerment initiatives and the implementation of Zanu-PF policies as the country works towards Vision 2030.