OPENING ADDRESS

BY THE PRESIDENT AND FIRST SECRETARY

OF ZANU PF, HIS EXCELLENCY, CDE. E. D. MNANGAGWA AT THE 23rd ZANU PF PEOPLE’S CONFERENCE

CUT UNIVERSITY, MASHONALAND WEST PROVINCE

16 OCTOBER 2026

Pamberi ne ZANU PF.

Pamberi ne kubatana.

Pamberi ne Gwara reMusangano.

Pamberi ne kubatana.

Phambili le ZANU PF.

Phambili lokubambana.

Phambili lokubambana.

Pasi nemhandu.

First Lady, Amai A. Mnangagwa;

Vice President and Second Secretary, Cde. Gen. (Rtd)

Dr. C. G. D. N. Chiwenga and Amai;

Vice President and Second Secretary, Cde. Col. Dr.

(Rtd) K. C. D. Mohadi;

National Chairman and Minister of Defence,

Cde. O. C. Z. Muchinguri-Kashiri;

Secretary General, Cde. J. F. N. Mudenda;

Members of the Elders Council, Politburo, Central

Committee and National Consultative Assembly;

Pamberi ne ZANU PF.

Pamberi ne kubatana.

Pamberi ne Gwara reMusangano.

Pamberi ne kubatana.

Phambili le ZANU PF.

Phambili lokubambana.

Phambili lokubambana.

Pasi nemhandu.

First Lady, Amai A. Mnangagwa;

Vice President and Second Secretary, Cde. Gen. (Rtd)

Dr. C. G. D. N. Chiwenga and Amai;

Vice President and Second Secretary, Cde. Col. Dr.

(Rtd) K. C. D. Mohadi;

National Chairman and Minister of Defence,

Cde. O. C. Z. Muchinguri-Kashiri;

Secretary General, Cde. J. F. N. Mudenda;

Members of the Elders Council, Politburo, Central

Committee and National Consultative Assembly;

Minister of State for Mashonaland West Province,

Cde. M. Chombo and other Honourable Ministers;

ZANU PF Provincial Chairman, Mashonaland West

Province, Cde. M. Mliswa-Chikoka;

President of the National Chiefs’ Council, Hon. Sen.

Chief M. Khumalo neMadzimambo ose aripano;

Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet,

Dr. M. Rushwaya;

Chairman of the Public Service Commission,

Dr. V. Hungwe;

Veterans of the Liberation Struggle;

Senior Government Officials;

Members of the Diplomatic Corps;

Invited Guests from Sister Revolutionary Movements;

Party Affiliates, Representatives of Business, Students,

Women and Youth Organisations;

Conference Delegates;

Comrades and Friends.

Ndinokugamuchirayi mose kuMusangano wedu weZANU PF 23rd National People’s Conference, kuno ku Mashonaland West Province. Nyika yose irikuno. Kubva ku Plumtree kusvika Mutare; kubva Beitbridge kunobata Chirundu, tiripano.

Tino kutendayi mhuri yeku Mashonaland West, nekutitambira nemufaro kwamaita. Siyalibonga.

It is my honour and pleasure to welcome you all to this watershed gathering of the 23rd National People’s Conference of our colossal, revolutionary, mass Party ZANU PF.

On behalf of the Party’s Central Committee and indeed on my own behalf, I express my profound gratitude and appreciation to Mashonaland West Province, for the warm hospitality and manner in which you have welcomed us. Well done Comrades, Well done Mashonaland West Province.

In 1966, here in Chinhoyi, seven brave and courageous armed liberation war fighters, confronted the brutal, racist Rhodesian regime head-on. That incident is imprinted in our collective national memory as one of the defining episodes that marked the birth of an independent, free, democratic and sovereign Zimbabwe. Their demise at the battle front, never deterred us, but ignited the revolutionary flame. It became a rallying point, across both ZANLA and ZIPRA, and among grassroot communities in the fight to dismantle the shackles of colonial bondage.

The venue of this Conference, must, therefore, inspire us, to honour, them and many other departed comrades, by accelerating sustainable economic development and realising prosperity for all Zimbabweans.

Comrades;

For nearly three decades, we have diligently adhered to the dictates of the constitution of our organisation and convened as Conference and Congress. At key moments in the history of our beloved motherland, Zimbabwe, courageous decisions and resolutions were passed to advance the people’s revolution as well as the various goals and objectives of our mammoth movement. These have brought immense transformation, including the re-union with our land, previously stolen from our forefathers.

The policies we have adopted at fora such as this one, continue to define us as a truly independent, pan-African and sovereign people. We are hard-working masters of our own destiny.

Many leaders who represented the people and Party membership, have come and some are no longer with us. National Heroes and Heroines who hailed from here in Mashonaland West Province, include our Founding Father, the late President and First Secretary, Cde Robert Gabriel Mugabe, along with, other late national heroes and heroines. Also of note are Comrades; George Nyandoro, James Chikerema, Nathan Shamhuyarira, Swithun Mombeshora, Sabina Mugabe, Enos Chikowore,

Eric Gwanzura, Peter Chanetsa and more recently, Brigadier General (Rtd) Dr Michael Chaminuka and Air Commodore (Rtd) Simon Bere, among many others.

Today the duty to fulfil the vision and aspirations, embodied in our Party Constitution, rests on us. We inherited a Party that is united, revolutionary and people-centred. The ancient stones and building blocks that form the foundation of ZANU PF must never be tampered with. The Party is a well-oiled machinery that will keep moving forward and governing, in perpetuity, for the good of the people of our motherland, Zimbabwe.

Everyone is welcome in ZANU PF. Huyai, tifambe tose tichishandira nyika yekwedu, takasununguka, takabatana, mubato redu re ZANU PF. Musangano wakaunza rusununguko;

musangano unenhoroondo nemuono weku shandura hupenyu hweruzhinji rwe Zimbabwe.

Pamberi ne ZANU PF.

Phambili le ZANU PF.

Pasi nemhandu.

Comrade Delegates;

The constitutional mandate of the National People’s Conference as outlined in Article 6 Section 34, 78 sub-section 1 to 5, accords us an onerous obligation to not only receive Reports on behalf of Congress, but to adopt new resolutions as well as review, evaluate and supervise their implementation.

This year’s theme, “From Resolutions to Results: Consolidating Economic Development and Deepening Empowerment towards Vision 2030” is, therefore, apt and a clarion call for concrete action and Resolutions that will positively impact the lives of the citizenry, towards Vision 2030.

As we look back at events, programmes and projects undertaken by the Party and our ZANU PF-led Government, over the year, the milestones realized tell of the successes of a colossal, modern, futuristic and people-centered Party. ZANU PF remains an unmatched political force. Sithi Amhlophe. Tinoti Makorokoto. We say congratulations to Party structures and functionaries at government level.

The State of the Party is on a sound footing. Party unity, is unbreakable, while the prevailing peace and stability in the country is enabling business endeavours and community activities to thrive. Mandatory meetings are now efficiently convened as stipulated in the Party Constitution and Regulations.

The content and output of meetings has qualitatively improved, with the Agenda of Provincial, District and Branch structures now focusing on social and economic development at those levels. Our national development thrust is leaving no one and no place behind. It is pleasing that the Party is consolidating unity, in the broader political landscape of our beloved motherland, Zimbabwe.

The membership base is growing through efforts of the Youth, Women and War Veterans Leagues as well as Affiliates and those joining the Party, from across the political divide. Opposition parties are in disarray, with no agenda for the people. We must recruit more members. Dzokai kumusha. Homwe yeMusangano hayizari, tose tinokwana mu ZANU PF. Buyani eKhaya isikhwama se ZANU PF sikhulu-kakhulu.

The overwhelming endorsement and enactment of Constitutional Amendments Act Number 3 and victories in by-elections, held since our last National People’s Conference, reflects the high capability of the Party’s mobilisation infrastructure. Intra-Party democracy is now entrenched and the observance of the Party Constitution by our structures, is more evident. The manner we are handling contradictions within the Party is commendable.

Differences should never be antagonistic and the Party Constitution as well as collective national interest remain the guiding beacon of all conduct. As we scale up Party building, leaders at every level bear the obligation to ensure that cadres have a deeper understanding of both the Party and national Vision, as well as our Constitutions.

Equally, responsible cadre-ship requires office-bearers and general members alike, to have the necessary knowledge of their roles, duties and responsibilities.

Leadership positions are not for personal glory or publicity; we are here to serve. Understanding the correct line of the revolution is everyone’s obligation. The work of Chitepo Ideological College, along with other tailor-made capacity building programmes, such as the Central Committee and Politburo Strategic Seminars held earlier this year, must now be cascaded down to lower structures. Other sectors in business and society are welcome to request in-house tailor-made Party-ideological seminars.

Zimbabwe is our home together, as a united people. We all have a duty to protect the rich history of our nation along with the armed liberation war heritage, building on-it, for a more prosperous future. Gwara reMusangano wedu, nezvido zve ruzhinji ndizvo zvinotaura mafambiro edu tose. 

MuZANU PF, hakuna mazvake-mazvake. Famba nevamwe. Kwete kusara kumashure, kana kumhanya manhingi. Ngatifambei tose, step by step, brick by brick and stone upon stone, tichivaka Nyika yedu.

Fellow Conference Delegates; Throughout the history of Africa and Southern Africa, in particular, revolutionary movements have been the custodians and are at the forefront in the struggle against colonialism, apartheid, oppression and economic exploitation.

Our liberation was won through sacrifice, courage, discipline, organisation, and decisive action. Similarly, our forebears did not merely pass resolutions calling for freedom, they mobilised, organised, and implemented strategies that transformed those resolutions into reality. It is in this historical context that our beloved motherland, Zimbabwe, under the leadership of ZANU PF has witnessed resilience and unprecedented growth of the economy, which is acknowledged by many, doubting-Thomases and admirers alike.

Our celebration is that ZANU PF policies are positively impacting the quality of life of our people, and consolidating our independence, sovereignty, freedom, democracy, unity and peace.

Nyika yakasununguka, inerunyararo. Tose tirikuona mutsauko mumagariro nemukurarama kwedu. Kungave, pakuwanikwa kwechikafu, mvura, neshanduko muzvikoro nemuzvipatara.

Zvivakwa zvemunyika, madhamu, migwagwa, kusanganisira dzimba dzedu, kumaruwa, nekumadhorobha zvava zvepamusoro-soro. Mabasa arikuitwa nevanhu kuti mhuri dzirarame nyika ichibudirira, ano kudzwa.

Hupenyu hurikushanduka ne ZANU PF. The stability of our currency, inflation rate and overall GDP growth reflects the culture of discipline and hard honest work of the great people of our nation.

Under the 2nd Republic, local and external investments are increasing while the Engagement and Re-Engagement Policy is translating into positive grassroots-based impacts, at the local level. ZANU PF remains the only guarantor that our national interests and well-being of all our people, remain at the core of every economic deal signed; industry established, factories opened and empowerment realised.

In 2025, Zimbabwe’s GDP grew by 8.3% and is projected at 5% in 2026. Through our astute monetary policy, annual inflation has come down to 2.8% and is accompanied by price stability.

These achievements are praise-worthy. Conference will recall that at the advent of the Second Republic, our country’s GDP was USD16 billion. Presently our GDP is at USD66 billion. Similarly, in 2017, the GDP per capita was in the lower-middle-income economy range, at USD1 200. Currently, the GDP per capita is USD3 500 a close to 200% jump. We are on course to achieve upper middle income economy status, by 2030.

Trade export figures, stood at USD2 billion annually in 2017, total exports now exceed USD20 billion, a percentage increase of 1,000. Zimbabwe is rising.

I commend, the Party, Government, youth and women, small and medium enterprises, miners, farmers, artisans and entrepreneurs, public servants, as well as, citizens in the Diaspora for these national accomplishments.

As a united people, pulling in one direction, more can be achieved. Brand Zimbabwe and Brand ZANU PF are a reality.

Tobva tati, Pfee-mu United Nations Security Council. Unotamba iwe!! It is also pleasing that, under the first International Monetary Fund Staff Monitoring review programme, our nation has so far met all the quantitative targets, structural benchmarks and other commitments. Conference, should consolidate these gains through resolutions that sharpen fiscal prudence and discipline.

The agriculture sector has witnessed increased production and productivity across all categories of crops. Irrigation expansion, agricultural mechanisation, enhanced extension services, storage facilities, and market access have in turn led to the accelerated development of agro-processing and agro-industries.

The sector is projected to grow by 6.9 per cent with strategic grain production estimated at 2.4 million tonnes. The ongoing roll-out of boreholes and Village Agro-Business Units, with the refocus on market driven productivity, including targeting export, is a critical anchor to rural industrialisation and transformation.

The 2026-2027 summer cropping season, requires us to put shoulder to the wheel for increased production. The Presidential Pfvumvudza/Intwasa Programme, must continue. Ngatikuridzirei kuti vanhu varime zvinoenderana nekumatunhu kwavari.

The hazards associated with El-Nino induced droughts and other global shocks require critical attention.

The Party, Government and Traditional Leaders will continue to prioritise increased social and climate mitigation as well as high-impact development expenditure.

‘Nyika inovakwa, inotongwa, inonamatigwa nevene vayo/Ilizwe lakhiwa, libuswe, likhu-le-ke-lwe ngabanikazi balo’.

Overall output, export earnings, investment and employment creation in the mining sector remain key pillars in our ongoing economic transformation.

Localised beneficiation and value addition in lithium, gold, platinum, coal and other strategic minerals along with mineral exploration have seen an unprecedented growth of the sector. Zimbabwe now has one of the largest steel industries in sub-Saharan Africa and an exporter of lithium sulphate.

Higher capacity utilisation, import substitution and investment in domestic value chains are reducing over reliance on imported goods and boosting the manufacturing sector. The Zimbabwe Entrepreneurs’ Exchange Platform, is supporting Macro-Small to Medium Enterprises.

Additionally, critical infrastructure, such as roads, dams, energy, irrigation, housing and other projects are being scaled up through new financing models.

The sustainability of the country’s development and prosperity depends on our ability to harness the potential of all people, particularly youth and women. The Party’s empowerment agenda for the youth, women, people with disabilities and veterans of the armed liberation is practical and measurable. We are facilitating access to productive assets, local and international markets as well as entry into regional and global value chains. Young people are the drivers of the current development.

Likewise, women continue to play a central role in building our societies, sustaining families, and strengthening our economies. Conference is challenged to craft Resolutions that create concrete opportunities for entrepreneurship, innovation, skills development, industrialisation, job creation and empowerment.

Fellow Conference.

Delegates;

ZANU PF is a futuristic organisation and never a prisoner of past victories. We shall forever remain both, a revolutionary, mass Party as well as architects of the current and future prosperity of our motherland, Zimbabwe.

SeMusangano tine hutesve zvekuti heki! Tinoona, nekugadzirira ramangwana reNyika yedu rakajeka.

Let us boldly confront, the ever-evolving local and global socio-economic realities, which include climate change induced disasters, technological advancements,

Artificial intelligence and global economic disruptions, among other contemporary trends. It is my expectation that Conference Committees will undertake robust, innovative and forward-looking reviews of our policies, programmes and projects in line with everyday opportunities and challenges facing our country.

On the social and cultural development front, I am gravely concerned by the growing number of reported marital crimes which are resulting in the loss of lives. This is not who we are as the Zimbabwean people.

I call for the restoration of family values and respect for the sanctity of life. SeMusangano weruzhinji rwevanhu veZimbabwe, ngatirambei tichikurudzira tsika nemagariro akanaka.

Fellow Conference Delegates;

The success of this 23rd National People’s Conference rests on our shoulders. We are representing the generality of the Party membership. The Party Constitution, founding values, ideology and ethos of our armed liberation struggle must be the guide. As the ruling Party, we also carry the burden to translate the people’s aspirations into policies which generate development programmes and tangible results. Conference will receive detailed Thematic Reports of our Party work during the course of the year.

Accordingly, as we break into the Committees Stage, let us engage in frank and constructive deliberations guided by the national development agenda under Vision 2030.

The Resolutions we proffer should reflect the realities facing Zimbabweans, provide practical solutions and define clear responsibilities for implementation.

Personal or narrow interests have no place in our colossal, revolutionary, mass Party. We are a People’s Party and ZANU PF shall forever promote a people-centered development agenda.

Together, united by our shared revolutionary heritage and inspired by our vision for a prosperous future, we are building the ‘Zimbabwe we all want and deserve’.

Forward with unity. Forward with development and prosperity. Victory is certain.

With these remarks, it is now my honour to table the Central Committee Report to the 23rd National People’s Conference. I also declare this year’s edition of the Conference officially open. I wish us all productive deliberations.

Pamberi neZANU PF.

Pamberi nekubatana.

Pamberi neGwara reMusangano.

Viva ZANU PF.

Pamberi nekubatana-nekubatana-negwara

reMusangano.

Phambili le ZANU PF.

Phambili lokubambana.

Phambili lokubambana.

Pasi neMhandu.

God bless you all.

God bless Zimbabwe.

I thank you.