Staff Reporter

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has called on Zanu PF members to remain focused on addressing the needs of Zimbabweans, stressing that the Party’s strength lies in implementing the development agenda, while maintaining unity and discipline.

Speaking at the 382nd Ordinary Session of the Politburo in Harare yesterday, President Mnangagwa emphasised that Zanu PF structures must be proactive in responding to the concerns of citizens.

“Zanu PF must be first responders to the challenges facing our people and communities. I challenge all Party members to walk alongside our people and always seek to respond to their needs," he said.

He urged Party structures, from the grassroots to the highest levels, to ensure that their leadership remains people-centred and development-driven.

“All our energies, hands, and minds must be fixated on modernising and growing our party membership base. Undertaking projects and initiatives that improve household incomes and the quality of life of our people must be the main focus of our party and the nation as a whole,” he added.

While underscoring the need for development, President Mnangagwa also issued a stern warning against Party members who undermine Zanu PF’s unity and discipline.

He made it clear that the ruling Party remains an unshakeable force and will not be distracted by rogue elements.

“Zanu PF is a colossal revolutionary Party. We have a job to do and a Vision to deliver for the good of the people of our great motherland, Zimbabwe,” he declared.

The President dismissed those seeking to create disorder within the Party, warning that they would not succeed.

“Vanoukura, vanoramba vachiukura, nyika ichienda mberi,” he said. (“Those who bark will continue doing so while the country moves forward.”)

President Mnangagwa reinforced that loyalty to the Party’s constitution was essential, comparing it to the roots and trunk of a tree that sustains all members.

“As with any other revolution, those who do not toe the correct line of the revolution must fall by the wayside,” he stated.

Beyond Party discipline, President Mnangagwa detailed Government’s ongoing efforts to transform Zimbabwe’s economy, particularly in agriculture, infrastructure, and mining.

“In the agriculture sector, transformational programmes are underway to guarantee national food security and sovereignty. A clear framework is now in place to facilitate the issuance of title deeds towards guaranteeing security of tenure and access to financing for the sector,” he said.

With the rainy season ending, he announced that Government would resume major infrastructure projects across the country.

“Infrastructure projects are set to resume in earnest with the impending end of the rainy season. The housing stock in our country is increasing at a phenomenal pace, with remarkable improvement and modernisation, especially in rural areas and growth points. Tourist arrivals are reaching unprecedented levels, while mining sector projects are coming on stream and having an overall positive impact on our country’s GDP,” President Mnangagwa stated.

President Mnangagwa also highlighted Government’s engagement with small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and vendors, aimed at integrating them into the formal economy.

“These indicators are evidence that we are a country on the rise, and Vision 2030 is attainable,” he said.

He praised the Zanu PF Youth League and private sector stakeholders for their collaboration in launching the Presidential Youth Empowerment Facility.

“Well done to the Youth League, well done to you all. Support for innovative and private enterprises, as well as long-term multi-sectoral empowerment pathways, which benefit the youth and women, are being implemented at an accelerated pace,” he said.

President Mnangagwa also took the opportunity to celebrate Zimbabwe’s increasing recognition on the global stage, congratulating former Sports Minister Kirsty Coventry on her historic election as the first female and 10th president of the International Olympic Committee.

“This is a historic and phenomenal feat. Congratulations, Makorokoto Zimbabwe,” he said.

The President reaffirmed his call for unity, discipline, and development within Zanu PF, vowing that the Party would remain focused on its national agenda, while decisively dealing with internal discord.