By Loyd Matare
A livid President Emmerson Mnangagwa has slammed detractors, accusing them of peddling falsehoods and undermining national progress, as he rallied ZANU PF members to remain steadfast in defending the party’s legacy and ongoing development programmes.
This comes as the ruling party gathers in Manicaland to map its policy direction and reaffirm its vision under the theme “Attaining Vision 2030 Through Economic Empowerment and Value Addition.”
Speaking at the ZANU PF Politburo session ahead of the party’s 22nd National People’s Conference in Mutare, Mnangagwa delivered a defiant speech condemning those he said were ‘denigrating national interests’ and undermining people-centred projects.
“Shame, shame, shame on all those who are denigrating our national interests and ongoing people-centred projects and programmes,” Mnangagwa declared to loud applause.
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“We are ZANU PF, and will not be deterred. We reject the negative and harmful characterisations of our Party and country.”
Mnangagwa urged the Politburo to use the conference as a platform to “recalibrate” party structures and deepen ideological understanding among cadres.
He said all government programmes must serve the interests of the majority, adding that unity, loyalty, and discipline remain the lifeblood of ZANU PF.
“The people’s revolution is like a flame sustained by following the correct line, our ideology, discipline, patriotism, and loyalty,” he said.
Turning to social concerns, the President expressed outrage over rising cases of violent crime, ritual killings, and sexual abuse involving women and children, urging authorities to act decisively.
“I am disheartened with the sad and unfortunate cases of criminality often claiming the lives of young people and children, including alleged ritual murders, sexual violence and abuse, among others.
“We are a nation where the sanctity of life is honoured, celebrated and preciously safeguarded.”
“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.”
The ZANU PF National People’s Conference officially opens this week, with thousands of delegates expected to converge in Mutare for discussions centred on economic development, unity, and consolidation of party structures ahead of the 2028 elections.
