By Archford Chirimudombo
Chinhoyi, (New Ziana) – The venue of this year’s ZANU PF National People’s Conference must inspire Zimbabweans to honour the seven brave and courageous armed liberation war fighters who took part in the famous Battle of Chinhoyi in 1966, President Mnagagwa said on Friday.
Addressing party members and delegates at the opening of this year’s conference at the Chinhoyi University of Technology (CUT) on Friday, ZANU PF First Secretary President Emmerson Mnangagwa said the departed heroes can be honoured by accelerating sustainable economic development and realising prosperity for all Zimbabweans.
“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. 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,” President Mnangagwa said.
National heroes and heroines who hailed from Mashonaland West Province, include the late President Robert Gabriel Mugabe, along with, other late national heroes and heroine who include George Nyandoro, James Chikerema, Nathan Shamhuyarira, Swithun Mombeshora, Sabina Mugabe, Enos Chikowore, Eric Gwanzura, Peter Chanetsa, Brigadier General (Rtd) Dr Michael Chaminuka and Air Commodore (Rtd) Simon Bere, among others.
President Mnangagwa said for nearly three decades, ZANU PF has diligently adhered to the dictates of the constitution of the party 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,” he said.
President Mnangagwa added that ZANU PF is a well-oiled machinery that will keep moving forward and governing for the good of the people of Zimbabwe.
He said this year’s theme for the conference, “From Resolutions to Results: Consolidating Economic Development and Deepening Empowerment towards Vision 2030” is a clarion call for concrete action and resolutions that will positively impact the lives of Zimbabweans 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-centred party.
“ZANU PF remains an unmatched political force. 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,” President Mnangagwa said.
He said the overwhelming endorsement and enactment of Constitutional Amendments Act Number 3 and victories in by-elections, held since the party’s last National People’s Conference in Mutare, Manicaland province, reflects the high capability of the party’s mobilisation infrastructure.
