NEW: Mashonaland West province raises US$500 000 for ZANU PF Conference

Conrad Mupesa Mashonaland West Bureau

ZANU PF Mashonaland West province has raised more than US$500 000 in cash and pledges, surpassing its US$300 000 target, towards preparations for the party’s 23rd National People’s Conference to be held in Chinhoyi in October.

The fundraising dinner, organised by the province, was held at hotel in Harare on Friday and brought together business executives, prominent farmers, mining players and other stakeholders.

The conference will be held from October 12 to 17 at the Chinhoyi University of Technology.

ZANU PF Central Committee member and Senator-designate Dr Kudakwashe Tagwirei, who was guest of honour, pledged US$100 000, while Politburo members and provincial senior members Cdes Ziyambi Ziyambi, Christopher Mutsvangwa, Douglas Mombeshora, Polite Kambamura and Vangelis Haritatos collectively contributed US$50 000.

Cde Monica Mutsvangwa donated US$10 000 in cash.

Pinnacle Holdings, owned by businessman Dr Philip Chiyangwa, Geo Pomona and CAG were among companies that also made financial contributions during the dinner.

CAG further pledged 50 cattle.

In a speech read on his behalf by Bridging Gaps chief operations director Mr Charles Chitambo, Dr Tagwirei said Zimbabwe’s development requires unity and partnerships among Government, business, communities, professionals and other sectors.

He said Government could not transform the economy on its own, calling for stronger collaboration between established companies, emerging businesses, universities, financial institutions, entrepreneurs and innovation hubs.

“The party cannot build the economy on its own, Government cannot build the economy alone, business, professionals and communities cannot build the economy alone. We must build together, hence this fundraising dinner for the conference,” he said.

Dr Tagwirei said every citizen has a role to play in national development, with young people needing to be encouraged to participate in innovation, technology and research.

He called for increased partnerships between Zimbabwean businesses and international partners, particularly in areas such as mining, technology and innovation.

ZANU PF Secretary for Information and Publicity Cde Christopher Mutsvangwa said Mashonaland West had a tradition of leading by example, dating back to the First and Second Chimurenga.

“We are going to host the best conference ever in the history of the ruling party. Mashonaland West has a history of leading by example. Renowned heroes and heroines of the First and Second Chimurenga hailed from Mashonaland West,” he said.

Cde Mutsvangwa said the province’s level of preparedness demonstrated its determination to successfully host the conference.

ZANU PF Mashonaland West provincial chairperson Cde Mary Mliswa-Chikoka said the province’s relationship with business and industry remains one of its major strengths.

“Across mining, agriculture, tourism, manufacturing, construction, financial services and many other sectors, we have strategic partners whose investment and activity contribute enormously to the development of this province,” she said.

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