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Joseph Madzimure and Samuel Kadungure in Goromonzi

They came smartly dressed in their party regalia. Downing the Zanu-PF cloth blended in green, red and yellow, with President Mnangagwa’s visible portrait, the men and women looked super smart.

Most notable were women, whose outfits were exceptionally designed.

Away from the elegant dressing, the venue of the Zanu-PF 18th Annual National People’s Conference at Goromonzi High School in Mashonaland East, spoke volumes.

It was at Goromonzi High School that the likes of Cdes Sydney Sekeramayi, Aeneas Chigwedere, Patrick Chinamasa and Didymus Mutasa, among others, passed through with flying colours.

To show how well organised the event was, the sound system produced a crystal clear sound.

Delegates were attentive.

There was order during the serving of food. To ensure the school was not left ‘‘in a mess’’, delegates were confined to one section where white huge tents have been erected.

Waste collecting teams could not let even the smallest of paper be seen on the ground. The conference has been highly subscribed, with estimates showing at least 5 000 party delegates attended the official opening done by President Mnangagwa yesterday.

There were other invited guests, including members of the business community and diplomatic corps.

Before opening the conference, President Mnangagwa planted a fruit tree at the school orchard where 399 more fruit trees will be planted.

Delegates started queuing to undergo security screening as early as 7am and the process was smooth. Upon entrance, the delegates were provided party regalia and food hampers.

The President arrived just before 11am and was ushered into the main tent by the anthemic song ‘‘Kutonga Kwaro Gamba’’ by Jah Prayzah.

The trademark song saw delegates sing along whilst waving party head caps in appreciation of their leader.

Zanu-PF national political commissar Cde Victor Matemadanda commended the delegates for attending the conference in their numbers.

“The conference is over subscribed,” he said. “We received a number of delegates from various provinces, sister revolutionary parties across Africa, and even China. This alone shows that Zanu-PF is a people’s party.

“The highly subscribed exhibition stands show that the business community has confidence in the ruling party and the leadership of President Mnangagwa.

“We expect members to deliberate and pass constructive resolutions that will take the country forward.”

The conference is being held under the theme: “Mordenise, Mechanise and Grow the Economy towards Vision 2030.”

The main thrust of discussions at the conference is cantered on the state of the economy and food security, among others.

All the provinces have since endorsed President Mnangagwa as the Zanu-PF presidential candidate for 2023 elections, a feat that saw the conference popularising the slogan ‘‘2023, ED Pfee’.’

Zanu-PF national chairperson Cde Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri said the huge turnout had sent a clear message to the country’s detractors.

“Such a huge turnout will scare away the country’s detractors, some of whom have invited illegal sanctions. Surely, people get scared away,” said Cde Muchinguri-Kashiri to a wild applause from the delegates.

She took a swipe at corrupt elements within the party using the name of the party and abusing the President’s name to enrich themselves.

Zanu-PF Mashonaland East provincial chairman Cde Joel Biggie Matiza and the Minister of Provincial Affairs for Mashonaland East Cde Appolonia Munzverengwi welcomed the delegates.

Speakers reflected the road that Zanu-PF travelled from the 2018 annual conference to date. There are more than 50 corporate companies exhibiting at the conference.

The exhibition has become a permanent feature at Zanu-PF conferences and congresses. Among the exhibitors were small-to medium enterprises.

Zanu-PF director business development Cde Francis Hungwe said the companies were exhibiting their products to a massive crowd.

“We have more than 50 corporate companies exhibiting their products and services here at the conference and some of them include seed houses, manufactures, telecommunication companies and funeral service providers,” he said.

“We also have SMEs and about 120 vendors.” Curtains to the annual indaba are set to come to a close today.

It is from the event that policies are expected to be crafted for incorporation into Government activities.