The ManicaPost
Cletus Mushanawani
News Editor
THE atmosphere in the packed Harare International Conference Centre (HICC) was electric.
The delegates’ body language and energy spoke volumes of a well-oiled juggernaut ready to steam-roll past all puppetry and opposition tomfoolery.
This is what characterised last week’s Zanu PF 7th National People’s Congress in Harare as the revolutionary party oiled its machinery ahead of next year’s harmonised elections.
Under the stewardship of its tried and tested captain, President Mnangagwa, aptly described by his deputy in command, Vice President, Cde Constantino Chiwenga as Emmerson Delivers (ED), the Zanu PF ship is smooth sailing towards the dock.
“While this Congress is supposed to be an elective one, the party membership, through its structures and organs, had already clearly and thunderously endorsed Cde Emmerson Mnangagwa as the President and First Secretary and sole presidential candidate of the ruling party, Zanu PF, in the 2023 harmonised elections.
“The title “ED” should now mean “Emmerson Delivers” because the President has been delivering on his electoral pledges. The illustrious work he has done in the last five years guarantees him a thunderous victory in the 2023 harmonised elections.
‘‘Over a very short space of time, he has surpassed our expectations. May he continue to lead and guide us in the next term,” said Cde Chiwenga.
The unity of purpose and spirit of comradeship, which is synonymous with the ruling party, permeated throughout the proceedings.
Solidarity messages from sister revolutionary parties and foreign delegates who were in attendance also showed that the party is on a sound footing.
Indeed, victory is in the DNA of Zanu PF.
In his closing remarks, President Mnangagwa articulated what is expected of cadres of the party.
Some of the thousands of delegates, including those from Manicaland, who attended the ruling party’s National Congress in Harare last week
“Emerging from this 7th National People’s Congress, as the party leadership, from the Central Committee right down to the cell/village, we must never bury our heads in the sand. We have a duty and obligation to lead from the front, with greater tenacity, resolve and determination.
“The targets we have set for ourselves, some of which have been articulated in our Congress resolutions, must be achieved. The task is onerous and must see us complete the modernisation processes of our revolutionary party.
“Administrative systems and mobilisation strategies should continue to be revamped and overhauled, if need be, to be in sync with the prosperous and modern society we are building, as articulated in our national Vision 2030.
“The party must remain proactive, innovative and transformational in all its policies and strategies.
“As it was during the liberation war, we must remain fluid, blended and adaptive to new realities. This saw us achieve freedom and independence in spite of all the odds pitted against us,” said President Mnangagwa to a thunderous applause from the delegates who enjoyed every single minute of the proceedings.
Newly elected Central Committee members from Manicaland, Cdes Misheck Mugadza and Admire Mahachi said the party has been rejuvenated and is ready to send the opposition parties to the cleaners.
“The Congress was a resounding success with our party leadership tabling all the success stories that were achieved by the Second Republic.
‘‘Everywhere you go, there is something happening there, from roads to dams construction. This is evidence that Zanu PF is a people’s party that delivers on its promises.
“Come 2023, the party is ready to emerge victorious in all contested positions, from Councillors to the President.
‘‘The machine is ready and nothing will stop us from attaining a crashing victory,” said Cde Mugadza, who is also Member of National Assembly for Mutasa South.
Mutare District Central Committee member, Cde Admire Mahachi said: “The party is more united than ever. Zanu PF is here to stay, it is the party of the past, the present and the future. It is the people’s party and you cannot separate it from the masses.
“We will be on the ground to mobilise for more votes for the ruling party. We are ready to crash all the opposition parties as the machine is already rolling. Zanu PF forever.”
Giving solidarity messages, revolutionary sister parties all threw their weight behind Zanu PF and President Mnangagwa’s leadership.
Malawi Congress Party (MCP) chief strategist and legislator, Dr Ken Zikhale Ng’oma predicted a resounding victory for Zanu PF in the 2023 harmonised elections.
“I wish to express my profound gratitude to Zanu PF for inviting us to Zimbabwe to attend the 7th Zanu PF Congress. Today is a good day for Zimbabwe and its citizens simply because we are all here at the congress to build a prosperous Zimbabwe.
“We are all here to work together, not to leave anyone behind. President Mnangagwa delivers on his promises and therefore should continue working to deliver prosperity to the people of Zimbabwe.
“I am predicting a resounding victory for Zanu PF and the President in the coming elections. The Zanu PF Government is committed to bringing prosperity to the people. They have policies which are meant to transform the livelihoods of the people. Our coming here is a manifestation that Zanu PF is alive. President Mnangagwa is a great strategist,” said Dr Ng’oma.
President Mnangagwa summed up everything by saying: “Tose tinokwana muhomwe yeZanu PF. Everyone is welcome in Zanu PF. Equally, tell them that Zanu PF is a party for those in urban areas and at growth points.
“We stand with miners, teachers, doctors, nurses, industrialists, SMEs, religious organisations, the vulnerable, women, the youth and students as well as artistes, creatives and sportspersons, among many others. Zanu PF will never abandon the people of our great motherland, Zimbabwe.”
