LIVE BLOG: ZANU PF 7th National People’s Congress – Day 2

9030: We are at the ZANU PF 7th National People’s Congress, which is being held at the Harare International Conference Centre (HICC) in Harare. Today marks Day Two of the event

1005: Delegates continue to fill up the HICC. Ministers and members of the Central Committee are already seated

1015: Musicians, among them the popular ‘Chief Shumba Hwenje’, entertaining delegates as they wait for the official programme of the day to commence

1110: Vice President Dr Constantino Chiwenga and ZANU PF Second Secretary Cde Kembo Mohadi have arrived for the second day of the ruling party’s 7th National People’s Congress

1115: President Mnangagwa and First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa have arrived for the second day of the ZANU PF 7th National People’s Congress at the Harare International Conference Centre

1130: The ZANU PF 7th National People’s Congress has entered a closed session.

1355: President Mnangagwa takes to the podium

1356: The President is announcing the ten politburo members from each province

1405: ZANU PF National Chairperson Cde Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri is now addressing delegates

1409: Cde Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri has called upon ZANU PF Fisrt Secretary President Mnangagwa to address the party’s 7th National People’s Congress

1411: President Mnangagwa is now giving his closing address

1420: “Our party is more united as we march forward in building our country, leaving no one and no place behind,” says President Mnangagwa

The President has emphasized that the illegal sanctions must go and commended organisations and diplomats for standing with Zimbabwe in calling for the removal of the sanctions

Victory has become the DNA of ZANU PF, says the President

“I challenge party members here to broaden our planning horizons and cast our eyes beyond the 2023 elections”

“This party belongs to two to three generations…the generations to come are the owners of this party,” says President Mnangagwa

“We must keep it alive and handle it over to the next generation as a vibrant political party.”

“At this Congress we have emerged with concrete resolutions that will guide our party going forward”

“Our party stands solid, rejuvenated and unshakable”

1432: President Mnangagwa says he is grateful for being nominated as the sole candidate for the 2023 presidential elections

“As we approach the 2023 elections we must remain in sync and encourage our members to register to vote”

“The party’s elections manifesto will be launched soon, and will be distributed in due course,” says President Mnangagwa

“Finally comrades, I wish you a safe journey as you travel back to your provinces”

President Mnangagwa urges party members to never grow tied of preaching harmony, peace and unity

“With these remarks it is my honour to declare this 7th National People’s Congress officially closed,” concludes President Mnangagwa