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Joseph Madzimure, Senior Reporter

A high turnout is expected at this year’s Zanu PF 21st National People’s Conference, which will be held at the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) Grounds in Bulawayo from October 22 to 27.

The revolutionary party has a lot to celebrate as its First Secretary, President Mnangagwa won the harmonised elections last year and recently assumed the SADC chairmanship.

The conference will take stock of achievements made by the Government from last year in line with Vision 2030.

More than 4 000 delegates, including diplomats, are expected to attend.

The meeting is held on a rotational basis and presents a chance for reflection on party electoral promises as well as reaffirmation of the country’s vision.

Last year, the conference was hosted at the Midlands Zanu PF Convention Centre in Gweru .

The conference will be held under the theme; “Industrialise and Modernise Towards the Attainment of Vision 2030”.

In an interview, Zanu PF Secretary-General Dr Obert Mpofu said all was in place except for a few touch ups which were currently underway.

“At least 4 231 delegates are expected to attend the Zanu PF 21st National People’s Conference including diplomats, Diaspora district delegates, chiefs, service chiefs, Government Ministers and officials and local guests,” said Dr Mpofu.

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Taking a leaf from the successful hosting of the SADC summit, Dr Mpofu is optimistic that the conference will be successful, looking at how the host province is conducting the preparations.

“Mobilisation of resources to feed delegates at the Conference is on track. The budget has been confirmed and is being managed effectively. Catering equipment and utensils will be sourced through the Party’s Procurement Committee, with specifications already submitted for technical assessment. Additionally, the Transport and Social Welfare Sub-Committee has engaged the services of our trusted catering providers for the Conference,” he said.

Dr Mpofu said all arrangements were expected to be complete on time for the conference.

The conference comes as the country made significant investments, such as the US$1,5 billion Dinson Iron and Steel Company (Disco) steel plant located in Manhize, near Mvuma in the Midlands, and the promising Muzarabani oil and gas reserves, construction of Gwai-Shangani Dam, Chivhu Dam, Muchekerenwa, Kunzvi Dam and the  rehabilitation of major roads, among others.

The projects are poised to catalyse the creation of new industries and substantially contribute to Zimbabwe’s economic growth.

The party’s First Secretary ,President Mnangagwa will preside over the conference.

The conference is expected to discuss among other things, the state of the party, state of the economy, food security and nutrition, social services and poverty eradication, macroeconomic stability and re-engagement, infrastructure development and utilities as well as value addition and beneficiation.

Some provinces are working on proposed resolutions which will be presented to the party leadership.