President Set to Unveil Major Projects at Mutare Conference

ZANU-PF Prepares for 22nd National People’s Conference

ZANU-PF is now fully prepared to host the 22nd National People’s Conference, with the venue at Mutare Polytechnic Grounds 100% complete. The party has ensured that all financial and material resources, including billboards and regalia for delegates, are in place.

Party officials have been working diligently to ensure a smooth and glitch-free event. Yesterday, Cde Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri, the party chairman, led the National Co-ordinating Committee on a tour of the conference venue to assess progress.

In an interview during the tour, Cde Muchinguri-Kashiri confirmed that the revolutionary party is ready to kick off the conference with a Politburo meeting on Tuesday, followed by a Central Committee meeting on Wednesday in Harare, before delegates travel to Mutare.

“We met today for the fourth time as the National Coordinating Committee responsible for organizing the 22nd People’s National Conference,” she said. “Reports were presented by sub-committees, and I can safely say we are good to go.”

She added that preparations had reached 100% completion after starting with only 5% remaining. “Today, as you witnessed, everything is 100% ready. The first is the well-furnished main hall. The offices were also not quite ready, but now they are ready, well-furnished, and we are very happy.”

Cde Muchinguri-Kashiri expressed satisfaction with the condition of roads leading to the venue and the installation of the Zesa transformer, ensuring 24-hour electricity supply. She also highlighted that the party has raised over US$4 million, with half coming from the leadership, to cover major expenses such as delegate accommodation and food.

“The food will be enough to feed 10,000 people, but our tradition dictates that any balance after feeding 5,000 delegates will be donated to hospitals, orphanages, and other institutions that require assistance,” she said.

Most delegates are expected to arrive in Mutare on Thursday, when President Mnangagwa is scheduled to commission the Mega Market Milling Plant and the National Pharmaceutical Warehouse at Victoria Chitepo Provincial Hospital. He will also launch a national tree-planting initiative by leading a tree-planting exercise at the site of new Zanu-PF provincial offices near the conference venue.

The commissioning of the Grain Marketing Board (GMB) silos has been postponed to November due to minor touch-ups required. Billboards have been erected at 20 strategic points leading to Mutare, and delegates are expected to receive their regalia before the conference begins.

Cde Muchinguri-Kashiri praised Zanu-PF Manicaland for its support through cash and in-kind donations, which exceeded expectations. She also noted that all regalia has been delivered, ensuring a colorful conference experience.

Some delegates have expressed interest in visiting the Chimoio Liberation War Shrine in Mozambique. Two provinces, Bulawayo and Matabeleland South, have confirmed their desire to visit the shrine where many freedom fighters were killed during attacks by the Rhodesian regime.

Minister of State for Manicaland Provincial Affairs and Devolution Advocate Misheck Mugadza is coordinating with his Mozambican counterpart to finalize arrangements for the shrine visit. Cde Muchinguri-Kashiri expressed hope that all preparations would be completed by tomorrow, allowing delegates to make the trip.

The party expects solidarity messages from friendly governments, political parties, and local groups such as farmers, indigenous churches, and traditional churches. The overwhelming support highlights the popularity of ZANU-PF and the public’s endorsement of President Mnangagwa and the party’s policies, particularly the Vision 2030 and National Development Strategy (NDS) 1 transitioning to NDS2.

New jingles and songs will be unveiled at the conference, which will conclude on Saturday with a gala at the Mutare Showgrounds.

International Delegates Expected

In a separate interview, ZANU-PF National Spokesperson Cde Christopher Mutsvangwa mentioned that due to President Mnangagwa’s open-door policy and the “friend to all and enemy to none” approach, foreign delegates are expected to attend the special indaba.

He listed potential attendees, including representatives from sister revolutionary parties such as the ANC of South Africa, Frelimo of Mozambique, SWAPO of Namibia, Chama Cha Mapinduzi of Tanzania, the People’s Liberation Movement of Angola (MPLA), China, Russia, and other friendly countries.

Mutsvangwa also encouraged investors to explore opportunities in Manicaland Province, emphasizing its economic benefits. The province is rich in minerals like chrome, gold, and emeralds, providing employment and generating revenue through exports. Its fertile land supports agriculture, including tobacco, maize, and horticultural products, contributing to food security and export earnings.

Tourism in Manicaland is supported by attractions such as the Vumba Mountains and national parks, promoting eco-tourism and creating jobs in hospitality and related services.