Samuel Kadungure
News Editor
ZANU PF Manicaland is leveraging on its robust, deeply rooted and organic connection to the grassroots masses and the general public to promote the recently passed resolution to extend President Mnangagwa’s term of office beyond 2028.
The party’s grassroots presence and influence are being utilised to cascade the message to the masses and garner support throughout the province.
The resolution, which was unanimously adopted at the party’s 21st National People’s Conference in Bulawayo in October last year, seeks to extend President Mnangagwa’s term to 2030 to enable him to fulfil his development programmes.
The ruling party strongly believes that President Mnangagwa’s leadership has transformed the country, and they want to ensure continuity.
Manicaland witnessed significant development under President Mnangagwa’s leadership, including the construction of industries, dams, roads, irrigation schemes, strategic grain silos, schools, clinics, and energy enhancements, among others; demonstrating Government’s commitment to transforming the province and improving the lives of its people.
To achieve this, the party plans to amend the Constitution, which currently limits the Presidential term of office to two.
In an interview, ZANU PF Manicaland provincial chairman, Cde Tawanda Mukodza said the province is making concerted efforts to engage the community, and spread awareness about the resolution passed at the Bulawayo National People’s Conference.
By going down to the grassroots level, the ruling party is ensuring that the message reaches the people directly, allowing their concerns and feedback to be heard.
Cde Mukodza said this approach is crucial in building trust and strengthening relationships between the party and the community.
“It is referred to as Resolution Number One of the party. This resolution is truly of the people, by the people. As a province, we are taking a grassroots approach by holding inter-district meetings. We are now descending to ward and party district levels to raise awareness among the people and masses about the resolution they made, which was accepted by the conference.
“We are taking this step because some party members were not part of the delegates who attended the recent conference. Therefore, we are going down to the party districts to conscientise them about Resolution Number One, which was adopted by the party. Thus far, we have covered Chipinge, Makoni, Zimunya-Marange, Chimanimani, Buhera, and Mutasa. We are now left with Mutare and Nyanga, which we expect to complete anytime soon.
“For example, Makoni District comprises 113 party districts, which we are visiting to address the party leadership at village and cell levels. This is our approach as a province, and the response is overwhelmingly positive. The resolution originated from the people themselves, and its implementation is merely a formality, as it was already adopted at the district level, forwarded to the District Coordinating Committees (DCCs), and subsequently presented at the provincial and then the national conference. We are now informing the people that their resolution was ratified by the party’s highest decision-making body, the national people’s conference,” said Cde Mukodza.
Cde Mukodza emphasised that despite some rogue elements attempting to divide the party and foster factionalism, ZANU PF Manicaland remains united. He acknowledged that a few individuals he considers as party renegades, are abusing the social media to create a false narrative of instability within the party.
Cde Mukodza stressed that the party’s constitution is clear — once a resolution is passed, no individual can contradict or act against it.
“All I can say is that we are united as a party, but I cannot rule out the existence of some rogue elements who, in my view, are no longer party cadres due to their conduct. They are bent on dividing the party and fanning factionalism. “However, as a province, everyone familiar with the party’s constitution knows that once a resolution is passed, no individual can rescind or contradict it.
The majority of party cadres are toeing the line, but to be honest, we have a few rebels who misuse the social media to create the impression that the party is in disarray, when in fact things are stable in Manicaland. We have had no intra-party violence here, but the narrative on social media suggests otherwise. They are trying to create a false impression. Lies have short legs, and everything is in order.
“As you know, we are a sophisticated party with systems in place. We are aware of these individuals and have everything under control. At this point, I cannot divulge more information. Our party constitution clearly states that disciplinary procedures will be taken against those who deviate from party principles. This is how we will deal with these malcontents. We will not tolerate individuals who denounce the party and its leadership, especially when they use foreign numbers while based locally,” said Cde Mukodza.
On the importance of unity, Cde Mukodza said: “The message is very clear — strengthening our party leadership from village to cell level. We are undergoing a restructuring process, taking stock of our membership from village to cell levels while delivering the message from the national conference to the people – essentially, killing two birds with one stone.
“My special message to the people of Manicaland is unity. Let us stand together and identify our common enemy — the West and its allies. We must fight a unified war and avoid internal conflicts.”
