The Sunday Mail
Levi Mukarati Deputy News Editor —
The dominant colour at the Zanu-PF indaba which ended in Masvingo yesterday was green — signifying vitality, freshness and life.
The venue for the meeting —Masvingo showgrounds — had a new lease of life after having been refurbished, with a fresh coat of paint here and there doing the trick.
Deliberations at the event centred on bringing a better life to Zimbabwe’s citizens. Then the conference theme, “Moving with Zim-Asset in Peace and Unity”, also spoke of life.
To spice it up, the Heavens opened, sending down torrents of rain as if to approve the key matter under discussion — engineering an economic turnaround.
Zanu-PF was camped in Masvingo for the past three days on the occasion of its 16th Annual National People’s Conference. To show that the capital, Harare, had shifted base and Zimbabwe’s number one man was in the area, Masvingo burst into life.
He must be a happy man after spending much time in the province that is home to Masvingo eZimbabwe, from where the country’s name is derived.
Zanu-PF surely breathed another lease of life into itself and looks set to move the country ahead. The venue was well-decorated, with a huge white marque constituting the main arena, instantly becoming the centre of attraction.
Other supporting tents with similar colour were erected adjacent to the marque and were used to serve food. As usual, President Mugabe and First Lady Amai Grace Mugabe were greeted with cheers as they entered the venue.
The delegates immediately stood up and burst into song.
“Baba Mugabe avo!
Takavapiwa naIshe!
Gushungo avo!
Takavapiwa naIshe!
Yeye! Yeyeye! Yeye! Yeyeye!”
In response, the President and Amai waved the party symbol — clenched fists — as they smiled and made their way up the platform.
Other senior party members, including Vice-Presidents Emmerson Mnangagwa and Phelekezela Mphoko, Secretary for Administration Dr Ignatius Chombo and National Political Commissar Cde Saviour Kasukuwere, were gently swaying to some music.
South Africa’s Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa was there too, clapping. President and Amai Mugabe wore outfits made from the new party fabric, designed by the First Lady, and featuring the map of Zimbabwe, agricultural symbols and colours of the national flag.
The couple looked superb. When the President took to the podium, he spoke with his usual eloquence, emphasising unity, peace and the urgent need to implement various mechanisms to revive the economy.
Delegates concurred, President Mugabe’s wisdom remains central in getting Zimbabwe to attain her goals. The delegates were attentive throughout the conference, with business-like demeanours.
It was a serious affair, one central to economic recovery and livelihoods.
