Joseph Madzimure in BULAWAYO
FOCUSED deliberations at ZANU PF’s just-ended indaba have led to the development of “realistic, concise resolutions and people-centred development programmes” that will accelerate the country’s transformation to an empowered, modern, prosperous and highly industrialised society by 2030, President Mnangagwa has said.
In his closing remarks at ZANU PF’s 21st National People’s Conference at the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair grounds here yesterday, the President said the resolutions were a bold political proclamation and a call to action for transformative projects that must be implemented without delay.
“The patience and zeal we have demonstrated in managing the agenda and programme is applauded,” he said.
“Undoubtedly, this has enabled us to come up with realistic, concise resolutions and people-centred development programmes, which are all critical for advancing the interests of our party and country.
“The summary of discussions by the various committees and overall conference resolutions are indeed our political proclamation and call to action for more transformative projects, which must be timely implemented.
“We emerge from this conference more united, renewed, recharged and full of vigour for the work that lies ahead.
“Therefore, every cadre of the party, from the cell to national level, has a revolutionary duty to recommit to the strategic vision of our party.”
The interests of ZANU PF, he said, align with the people’s aspirations.
“We are a colossal mass revolutionary party and our resolutions, policies and directives affect our society and impact all sectors of the economy,” said the President.
“Guided by our sector-specific directives issued by this conference, the concerns of our communities must be comprehensively addressed.”
No one and no place must be left behind, he said.
“Our purposes must continue to be intricately linked to the progress and economic rejuvenation of our great motherland, Zimbabwe.
“We, the current crop of cadres, have an obligation to ensure that ZANU PF remains the driving force for peaceful development and to build our economy at an accelerated pace.”
The conference was held under the theme “Industrialise and Modernise Towards the Attainment of Vision 2030”.
This, the President said, will drive authorities to explore new horizons in the ongoing modernisation and industrialisation agenda.
“High-impact social development progress must be recorded during the upcoming reporting period that is ahead of us.
“Constructive and programme-based grassroots engagements and mobilisation, across all party structures, will be key in delivering the desired results.
“No village, ward or district can be developed by a bickering and divided people.
“Unity, unity, unity, peace and harmony are essential cogs to amplify the growth and prosperity our country seeks and deserves.
“Every department of the party, across all wings, must study and distil the various aspects into programmes and activities which respond to our unique local situations, challenges and opportunities.
“The party structures at the grassroots level should accordingly receive the outcomes of this conference and translate these at community level.”
He challenged the party leadership to provide the requisite guidance and demonstrate loyalty to the revolutionary movement.
“We must maintain the highest degree of unity in thought, practice and action, as well as political stance is the responsibility of all of us.
“We must lead by example and act in line with the overall interest of the party and country when performing our duties,” he said.
The current crop of leaders, he added, have an obligation to ensure the party remains the driving force for peaceful development and to build the economy at an accelerated pace.
“As we go back and put shoulder to the wheel, we should, therefore, diligently pursue industrial transformation and robust value chains as a catalyst for sustainable development and a competitive industrial base.”
He called for unity, peace and harmony, saying they are essential in driving growth and prosperity.
“Our development philosophy, Nyika inovakwa, inotongwa, inonamatigwa nevene vayo/ Ilizwe lakhiwa, libuswe, likhulekelwe ngabanikazi balo, must continue to be embedded in everything that we do and become our way of life. In this regard, young people in particular, within the party and across our communities, should be rooted in this cardinal development principle.
“After all, they are like seeds that thrive on fertile land and the storehouse of national hope for the growth of our revolutionary mass party, ZANU PF, and the realisation of Vision 2030.”
President Mnangagwa said reinforcing the party’s political foundation is a mission without an end and should never be neglected or abandoned.
“Let us be emboldened by this watershed conference and continue to build our party in tandem with the new socio-economic and technological realities, while maintaining the unique ideological DNA that make ZANU PF the party that has endured for six decades,” he said.
The importance of unified leadership and respect of the party constitution, President Mnangagwa also said, cannot be overemphasised.
He continued: “Stop-gap measures are never adequate in bringing about defining and requisite political solutions.
“Our membership is urged, therefore, to boldly move forward in the interest of the party. At this stage of our political development and maturity of our party, all cadres are challenged to adhere to our deeply entrenched Party discipline, rules and correct line.”
He challenged party leadership to always be disciplined.
“We must continue to persevere under the party, even at times when it is tough. Mindsets, counter-revolutionary tendencies, favouritism, regionalism and tribalism must be opposed,’’ said the President.
He urged party leadership to reject corruption or the pursuit of ill-gotten gains and privileges.
A music gala was also held last night.
10 takeaways from resolutions
President Mnangagwa’s term of office as President of the Republic of Zimbabwe and First Secretary of ZANU PF be extended beyond 2028 to 2030;
Take robust measures to strengthen the purchasing power of the Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG) currency and entrench its use;
Speed up completion of Gwayi-Shangani and Kunzvi dams;
Expedite the implementation of new land tenure policy to give beneficiaries security of tenure;
Ensure timeous distribution of agricultural inputs to farmers to promote and sustain food sovereignty;
Strengthen monitoring mechanisms to enforce adherence to labour laws, especially in the private sector;
Urgently review public and private pension policies to improve and safeguard the welfare of pensioners;
Adequately stock all health facilities with essential drugs, medicines and equipment;
Accelerate the provision of low-cost housing;
Ensure activities of land and space barons are curtailed by developing masterplans.