By Nobleman Runyanga
Contrary to ZANU PF’s detractors’ claims that the ongoing ZANU PF 18th National People’s Conference is just an excuse for the ruling party’s members to squander Government’s financial resources, the event is not being funded by Government.
This came out of a Conference preparations report presented to the ZANU PF Central Committee meeting held yesterday at the party’s national headquarters by its National Chairperson, Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri. The Chairperson gave out how the party’s leadership, provinces and external branches had mobilised funds towards the expenses of the ZANU PF National People’s Conference.
“All Politburo members have paid their contributions. All in all $213 500 has been raised from Politburo members (so far),” she said.
Muchinguri-Kashiri disclosed that various party members from Mashonaland East, the host province, who include Vice President, Retired General, Constantino Chiwenga and that province’s Chairman, Joel Biggie Matiza, had contributed a total of $440 000, five beasts and an assortment of various foodstuffs.
She indicated that payment of contributions towards the Conference was still ongoing with other provinces having raised $1 530 480.
Muchinguri-Kashiri also told the meeting that the party had benefitted from donations from various sources.
“ZANU PF China and Far East Asia District donated US$220 (while) the Grain Millers Association of Zimbabwe (GMAZ) donated 30 tonnes of maize meal,” she said.
The ZANU PF Chairperson also indicated that an anonymous well-wisher had donated 10 cattle and half a tonne of mealie meal towards the Conference.
Muchinguri-Kashiri highlighted that the party was vigorously marketing its Business Expo, an exhibition which runs concurrently with the Conference, as part of its efforts to raise funds to meet the expenses of its annual meeting.
“The Sub-Committee is marketing the Business Expo in both print and electronic media and the response has been overwhelming as 48 exhibitors have confirmed participation and $1 600 000 has been raised so far,” she said.
