ZANU PF stronghold backs continuity plan

Samuel Kadungure and Luthando Mapepa

ZANU PF Manicaland Province has endorsed a raft of resolutions calling for the alignment of the party constitution with the Constitution of Zimbabwe, the deferment of imminent internal elections and the continued leadership of President Mnangagwa beyond 2030, arguing that the measures will promote stability, unity and accelerated service delivery.

The resolutions were unanimously adopted at a full inter-district provincial conference held at Mutare Teachers’ College last Sunday as delegates consolidated submissions for the party’s 23rd National People’s Conference set for Chinhoyi in October.

The annual conference is one of ZANU PF’s most important policy-making platforms, providing an opportunity for members to review progress, evaluate previous resolutions and chart the party’s future direction.

Manicaland’s latest resolutions build on decisions adopted at last year’s National People’s Conference in Mutare, where delegates endorsed the extension of President Mnangagwa’s tenure from 2028 to 2030 through Constitutional Amendment Act No. 3.

Provincial leaders said aligning the party constitution with the national Constitution would eliminate inconsistencies, strengthen institutional cohesion and reduce internal contests that have historically fuelled factionalism and distracted the party from its developmental agenda. Speaking at the meeting, ZANU PF treasurer-general, Cde Patrick Chinamasa, said internal contests had often generated divisions that weakened focus on governance and service delivery.

Drawing from his experience in the party’s disciplinary structures, he said excessive internal contestation had for years diverted attention from programmes aimed at improving people’s livelihoods.

Cde Chinamasa said Manicaland remained firmly behind President Mnangagwa’s leadership and Vision 2030 agenda.

For Manicaland, a province widely regarded as one of the ruling party’s strongholds, the resolutions add momentum to a debate that is already gaining traction in other provinces ahead of the national conference.

Provincial chairman, Cde Tawanda Mukodza, said the resolutions were not about individuals, but about ensuring stability and policy continuity.

“The alignment of the party constitution with the national Constitution is not merely a legal technicality. It institutionalises policy continuity and removes the perennial trigger of factionalism that has historically derailed programmes at district and provincial levels.

“Manicaland resolved that President Mnangagwa be the sole candidate for the country’s presidency and First Secretary and President of the party up to 2030.

“By insulating incumbent leadership from internal contestation, the party creates room for long-term planning, investor confidence and coherent implementation of Vision 2030. We are endorsing continuity and alignment because the country needs predictability above all else.

“For too long, divisive internal elections have consumed time, resources and energy that should be directed towards development projects, infrastructure and empowerment initiatives. This resolution allows us to focus on delivery rather than internal battles, and that is what communities are demanding,” said Cde Mukodza.

Provincial Women’s League chairperson, Cde Dorothy Mabika, said grassroots structures were increasingly demanding development-focused politics rather than factional contests.

“Our structures want to campaign on delivery, clinics, roads, jobs and improved livelihoods. Women on the ground are tired of factional fights. When we remove internal disputes, we free our members to concentrate on serving the people,” she said.

Youth League provincial chairman, Cde Stanley Sakupwanya, said the resolutions would enhance policy certainty and create a conducive environment for economic growth.

“Young people need stability to invest, establish businesses and plan for the future. Aligning the party constitution with national law sends a strong signal that ZANU PF is committed to continuity, stability and creating opportunities for youth participation in the economy,” he said.

War Veterans League chairperson Cde Linda Mathathu said the resolutions were consistent with the values of unity and cohesion that underpinned the liberation struggle.

“Unity remains our greatest strength. These resolutions ensure that we speak with one voice, defend the gains of the revolution and remain focused on delivering tangible results for Zimbabweans. The country needs cohesion as it pursues Vision 2030,” she said.

Cde Mukodza said with internal elections no longer dominating the party agenda, structures would channel greater attention towards service delivery, agriculture, mining, infrastructure development and support for small and medium enterprises.

Among the resolutions adopted were calls for stronger cell and branch structures to improve communication between communities and the Government, accelerated implementation of devolution, increased value addition in agriculture and mining, support for SMEs, expansion of irrigation infrastructure to boost food security, construction of more schools and clinics, and intensified efforts to combat drug and substance abuse among young people.

Delegates also pledged to defend Zimbabwe’s sovereignty and mobilise communities behind the attainment of Vision 2030 through ongoing patriotic education programmes.

The resolutions will now be tabled alongside submissions from other provinces ahead of the National People’s Conference, where ZANU PF is expected to chart its policy and organisational direction for the coming years.