ADDRESS BY HIS EXCELLENCY, THE PRESIDENT AND FIRST SECRETARY OF ZANU PF, CDE. E. D. MNANGAGWA AT THE 398th ORDINARY SESSION OF THE POLITBURO, 

HARARE,

13th OCTOBER 2026.

Pamberi neZANU PF. 

Pamberi nekubatana.

Pamberi neGwara reMusangano.

Phambili leZANU PF. 

Phambili lokubambana.

Pasi neMhandu.

Comrades;

I welcome you to this 398th Ordinary Session of the Politburo, marking the beginning of the 23rd ZANU PF National People’s Conference, which officially opens on Friday the 16th of October in Chinhoyi, Mashonaland West Province. 

Today we will, therefore, make a final review of the preparatory work done in terms of hosting the event as well as the content and substance of our gathering. 

As the Executive Committee of the Central Committee, a number of us will Chair various Conference Committees. I exhort us to undertake this responsibility informed by the collective wisdom of the Conference Delegates who represent the generality of our membership. Deliberations must enhance intra-party democracy whilst ensuring that decisions and resolutions will lead to positive impacts on the economy and overall quality of life for our people.

As is required by our Party Constitution, the Central Committee Report will be tabled before Conference. I commend Politburo Members, Heads of Departments for their detailed submissions to the Central Committee Report. 

I, urge, us to acquaint ourselves with the respective Departmental activities, perspectives, challenges and opportunities, as outlined in reports, for greater collaboration, synergies and joint programming. 

Ours is the duty to facilitate the seamless implementation of our people centered policies, hence the responsibility to provide informed leadership to Conference and the Party in general, must never be taken lightly. 

So far, all Members are applauded for the great strides made throughout Departments to enhance the efficacy of Party work. The Work Plans, following the last Conference, successfully directed operations during the course of the year. Focused Policy Management meetings on the other hand, assured judicious planning as well as constant monitoring and evaluation of the tasks undertaken during the period under review. 

This evidence-based management approach is acting as a campus for our Party leadership so that gaps are attended to in real time. Well done to the Politburo. 

As the curtain comes down on the Party’s 2025/2026 calendar of events, which is marked by the convening of the Conference; we have every reason to be pleased with our Administrative performance. The Party’s oversight and continued engagement with Government and other stakeholders, resulted in the successful adoption of an array of reforms. 

The Politburo and Party as a whole, must never shy away from harnessing specialist skills from across society towards sharpening our approaches, policy proposals and the effectiveness of our colossal revolutionary movement. 

Meanwhile, I sincerely thank the Conference Organising Committee and the Resource Mobilisation Sub-Committee for organising a hugely successful Presidential Fundraising Dinner Ball, held here in Harare. Congratulations for a job well done. 

I also thank all well-wishers and members who generously donated towards the Party. ZANU PF remains open for increased support and engagement. 

Comrades;

Success is the DNA of our revolutionary ZANU PF Party. This 23rd National People’s Conference is not an exception and must be executed in a manner that guarantees the attainment of defining results. I am confident that the Party will once again, rise to the occasion. As Conference roars into life, Departments are called upon to work diligently, with unity of purpose and focus, throughout the Conference period, giving the necessary guidance and direction. 

We remain mindful that the responsibility of the Politburo does not end with the adoption of Conference Resolutions. 

We must continue to avail the bold oversight required to see that all Resolutions are implemented for impactful results.

Every Department or portfolio must, therefore, remain seized with the decisions falling within its area of responsibility guided by both Party and national interests 

Together in unity, let us deliver a historic and successful 23rd National People’s Conference.

Let us now proceed to the agenda of the day.