Harare, (New Ziana) – Zanu PF First Secretary, President Emmerson Mnangagwa on Tuesday rallied the top leadership of the ruling party to remain steadfast in steering development of the country and defending its national interests.
He made the call while delivering a keynote address during the 388th ordinary session of the party Politburo at its headquarters in Harare.
The Politburo meeting, which marks the curtain-raiser to the 22nd party National People’s Conference set for Mutare, Manicaland province, was charged with a sense of renewal and introspection.
President Mnangagwa reminded members that the Conference was more than a routine event as it was a living expression of the party’s revolutionary character and its constitutional discipline.
“This session of the Politburo and tomorrow’s Central Committee mark the commencement of the 22nd National People’s Conference of our colossal revolutionary mass Party. The holding of this Conference is a demonstration of ZANU PF’s adherence and respect for our constitution, traditions and practices,” he said.
He said the gathering should be a time for deep reflection and strategic direction, emphasising that the Party’s policies and Government programs should always remain anchored in the aspirations of the people.
“Our focus must be on providing leadership and guidance for consolidating our unity and the Party’s strength. We must grasp this moment to recalibrate all cadres to deepen their knowledge and understanding of the nature and purpose of the Party,” he said.
President Mnangagwa said ZANU PF’s legitimacy and strength lie in its ability to deliver tangible development to Zimbabweans, adding all Party-led government projects should serve the interests of the majority, ensuring shared prosperity and lasting progress.
He further tasked Politburo members who will chair various conference committees to ensure robust debate and high-quality resolutions that bring measurable results.
“The management of the Conference itself must give us value for money and produce qualitative resolutions for high-impact results,” he said, commending the host province Manicaland for its unity and preparedness.
President Mnangagwa paid homage to the late national hero Brigadier General (Rtd) Victor Mpandasekwa Mzheri, who was laid to rest on Monday at the National Heroes Acre.
“He was an accomplished cadre of the revolution and General Officer in the Zimbabwe Defence Forces, who served our country with consistency and persistency,” he said.
He said the Party should draw inspiration from such gallant cadres who embodied patriotism, discipline, and service to the nation.
Turning to detractors, President Mnangagwa delivered a strong rebuke to those undermining the country’s national image and people-centred development agenda.
“Shame, shame, shame on all those who are denigrating our national interests and ongoing people-centred projects. We are ZANU PF and we will not be deterred. We reject the negative and harmful characterizations of our Party and country,” said.
President Mnangagwa also condemned rising cases of violent crimes, ritual murders, and abuse of women and children, describing such acts as an affront to Zimbabwe’s moral values and culture of peace.
“We are a nation where the sanctity of life is honoured, celebrated and preciously safeguarded. Those who take advantage of our national character have no place in our country. Tiri nyika ine rugare nerunyararo (we are a country at peace),” he said.
Highlighting Zimbabwe’s growing regional and global footprint, President Mnangagwa noted the broad support the country has received in its campaign for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council.
He also announced that Zimbabwe had assumed the vice chairmanship of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), setting the stage for the country to take over the chairmanship in 2026.
“I invite all of us, particularly the private sector, to play our part towards enhancing the regional integration agenda,” he said.
Reaffirming the Party’s theme — “Attaining Vision 2030 through Economic Empowerment and Value Addition”, he said: “As our theme says, we are attaining Vision 2030 through economic empowerment and value addition, brick by brick, stone upon stone and step by step. Forward ever, backward never.”
New Ziana
