VP Chiwenga Highlights Sacrifice, Unity, and Vision at the Opening of the 22nd ZANU PF National People’s Conference in Mutare

Mutare – The 22nd ZANU PF Annual National People’s Conference, lcurrently underway in Mutare, is drawing delegates from across the country to deliberate on the party’s trajectory, national development priorities, and strategies for revolutionary continuity.

The official launch of the conference yesterday was marked by a powerful introductory speech from the Hon. Vice President, General (Rtd.) Dr. Constantino Dominic Guveya Chiwenga, who set a tone of reflection, responsibility, and nationalistic fervor as he introduced the President and First Secretary of the party, His Excellency Dr. Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa.

Addressing the assembled delegates at Mutare Polytechnic, Vice President Chiwenga opened his address by reminding the nation’s leaders that their roles are part of a continuum.

“We must always remember that we are not the Alpha and the Omega of Zimbabwe’s journey,” The Vice President remarked.

Vice President General Rtd. Chiwenga stressed that the responsibility of the current leadership is to carry forward the torch passed on by those who sacrificed everything for the liberation and future of Zimbabwe.

Drawing on historical memory, VP Chiwenga recalled the selfless contributions of liberation heroes, such as the late General Josiah Magama Tongogara.

“Some of them, like the late General Tongogara, knew they would not see a liberated Zimbabwe but still fought,” he said, acknowledging the extraordinary courage and foresight of those who dedicated their lives to the nation’s freedom.

He painted a vivid picture of the liberation struggle, describing the military camps in Mozambique and Zambia not merely as strategic bases, but as “altars of sacrifice, where pain, courage, and faith fused into the spirit of liberation.”

The Vice President’s speech was anchored in a deep moral call to action, a reminder that the sacrifices of the fallen heroes continue to impose an ethical obligation on current leaders. “The fallen are watching us,” VP Chiwenga warned.

“Their blood demands integrity. Their voices cry out against corruption, laziness, and moral decay. Their blood did not water the soil for corruption, injustice, and moral decay.” VP Chiwenga said, giving a stern reminder to the party and government officials that the legacy of liberation is inseparable from accountability, honesty, and a commitment to serve the people.

Unity, according to the Hon. Vice President Dr. Chiwenga, is not just a historical concept but a living principle that must guide present and future governance.

“The bond between the party and the people must remain unbroken,” he declared, reiterating that ZANU PF’s legitimacy derives from its unwavering connection to the masses.

He drew a clear line between the unity that underpinned the liberation struggle and the unity necessary for contemporary governance.

“The same unity that drove our liberation struggle must now guide us into the future,” he said, emphasizing that national cohesion and collective purpose are vital to achieving the country’s developmental goals.

Vice President Chiwenga also elaborated on the party’s vision for Zimbabwe’s economic and social development, framing it within the Vision 2030 agenda.

He emphasized the importance of building a people-centered economy that prioritizes empowerment for every Zimbabwean rather than a privileged few.

“We must build a people-centred economy that empowers every Zimbabwean — not just a few. That is the essence of Vision 2030 and revolutionary continuity,” he stated, aligning the party’s historical ethos with modern national development strategies.

The six-day conference, which began on October 13, commenced with high-level deliberations among the ZANU PF Politburo and Central Committee in Harare.

These meetings set the stage for the main conference in Mutare, where yesterday’s official opening by the President drew a wide array of delegates, government officials, and party loyalists.

The conference agenda is expected to cover a range of pressing national issues, including economic revitalization, social cohesion, youth empowerment, and the strengthening of party structures across all levels.

VP Chiwenga’s address struck a balance between historical reflection, moral exhortation, and forward-looking policy orientation.

By evoking the memory of fallen heroes and framing their sacrifices as a moral imperative, he reminded attendees that leadership in Zimbabwe carries profound responsibility.

He emphasized that the decisions and policies formulated at the conference are not just political instruments but ethical commitments to the people who fought for the nation’s liberation.

The Vice President also stressed the continuity of the revolutionary mission, asserting that ZANU PF’s purpose extends beyond partisan interests.

“Ours is to carry forward the torch passed to us by those who gave everything without expectation of reward,” he remarked.

This call to selflessness and national service resonated with delegates, reinforcing the ideological foundations of the party as one rooted in struggle, sacrifice, and service to the people.

A central theme of Vice President Chiwenga’s speech was the moral obligation of leaders to resist the temptations of corruption and complacency.

By invoking the sacrifices of liberation heroes, he positioned current leaders as custodians of a legacy that demands ethical governance.

His words served as both a warning and an inspiration: leaders must act with integrity, place the interests of the people above personal gain, and ensure that the ideals of the liberation struggle continue to inform policy and practice.

The conference also serves as a platform to consolidate ZANU PF’s strategies for national development, ensuring that Vision 2030 becomes a tangible reality.

Delegates are expected to discuss ways of deepening economic inclusivity, strengthening infrastructure, improving healthcare and education, and enhancing social services, particularly in rural areas.

The emphasis on a people-centered economy reflects the party’s commitment to equitable growth and sustainable development, aligning with the moral imperatives highlighted in Chiwenga’s speech.

Observers note that the introductory speech set a reflective and determined tone for the conference, signaling a strong emphasis on integrity, unity, and inclusive development.

By linking the lessons of the liberation struggle to contemporary governance, Chiwenga reinforced the party’s ideological continuity while articulating a clear vision for Zimbabwe’s future.

As the conference progresses over the coming days, delegates and leaders are expected to engage in robust discussions and policy formulation aimed at addressing both immediate and long-term national challenges. The themes highlighted in the Vice President’s address – sacrifice, unity, integrity, and people-centered development – are likely to shape the resolutions and strategic priorities emerging from the conference.

By and large, the 22nd ZANU PF Annual National People’s Conference is not only a forum for party deliberations but also a reaffirmation of the values and responsibilities that underpin Zimbabwe’s political journey.

Vice President Chiwenga’s powerful speech reminded all present that the path forward requires a steadfast commitment to the ideals of the liberation struggle, ethical leadership, and inclusive national development. By honoring the legacy of fallen heroes and pledging to uphold the bond between the party and the people, ZANU PF continues to position itself as a custodian of Zimbabwe’s revolutionary heritage while charting a course toward a prosperous and equitable future.