Sharon Chigeza
MUTARE-At the closing of its Annual People’s Conference, the Zanu PF party has reaffirmed its commitment to a resolution that would extend President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s tenure beyond 2028.
Announcing the conference’s resolutions, the party’s Secretary for Legal Affairs, Ziyambi Ziyambi, stated that there had been insufficient progress on implementing this decision since it was first adopted at last year’s conference in Bulawayo.
To accelerate the process, the conference issued a directive for “the party and Government to initiate the requisite constitutional amendments to give legal effect to this resolution.” Ziyambi further emphasised that “All party organs, including the Politburo and the Central Committee, are directed to implement this resolution fully” before the next conference.
In addition to the term extension, several other resolutions were announced. These include measures to harmonise party affiliates for greater cohesion and a directive for the legal and Commissariat department to establish guidelines for seamless internal elections. The conference also resolved to improve logistical support by allocating motor vehicles to all party structures to ensure mobility and effectiveness.
The party also resolved that “government must deploy ideologically grounded cadres in the civil service to strengthen patriotism and loyalty to national objectives.” Delegates said this move was crucial in ensuring that public institutions remain aligned with Zanu PF’s vision of national development.
On economic matters, the conference reaffirmed its support for the Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG) currency, stating that Government should “strengthen and support the ZiG to ensure it becomes the sole currency to stimulate business activity. Delegates also called for measures to “improve the durability of ZiG notes” and to “prioritise value addition and beneficiation of local minerals.”
Furthermore, it was resolved that non-combatant cadres be granted war veteran status upon their death, and that all veterans of the liberation struggle should receive State-assisted funerals.