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Ranga Mataire, Zimpapers Politics Hub

SINCE the advent of the Second Republic and the assumption of the Presidency by President Mnangagwa, a sense of business and discipline has been imbued in the ruling ZANU PF party.

Party business is no longer being treated lackadaisically. It is no longer business as usual.

There is a sense of urgency in dealing with the business of delivering all the manifesto pledges and no better platform for reviewing the implementation of the election pledges than the ZANU PF National People’s Conference scheduled for Bulawayo next month.

The President and First Secretary of ZANU PF, Cde Mnangagwa, attaches so much importance to a solid and galvanised party machinery and this is the reason he has inputted some changes to ensure robust structures that speak to the aspirations of Zimbabwe.

Experienced and tested cadres like Dr Obert Mpofu, Cdes Patrick Chinamasa, Lovemore Matuke, Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri are some of the senior cadres holding senior positions in the party.

The decision to deploy tried and tested cadres to the party is informed by the need to ensure institutional memory and instil discipline.

Besides the deployment of experienced cadres, the President and First Secretary has facilitated the creation of the War Veterans League and the Elders Council, all aimed at ensuring the party’s structural positions reflect its history and brings on board critical segments of the party into mainstream decision making processes.

The War Veterans League represented by Cde Douglas Mahiya in the party’s Politburo complements the work already being undertaken by the Women’s League and the Youth League.

The two entities were critical during the struggle in the recruitment of combatants and in the mobilisation of masses. Together now with the War Veterans League, the Women and Youth Leagues are the cogs or engine of the party in the propagation and implementation of its policies and also in mobilisation of masses for a particular national cause.

Besides highlighting issues of war veterans within the highest organ of the party, the Politburo, the War Veterans League looks at the healthcare, education and economic empowerment of former freedom fighters.

It also works with the Ministry of War Veterans Welfare in advocating for the former freedom fighters’ rights, benefits and recognition.

The War Veterans League actively participates in party activities including coming with empowerment initiatives in the farming and mining sectors.

In general, the War Veterans acts as the party’s buffer or reference point in preserving the history of the liberation struggle.

It was through the creation of the War Veterans League that former freedom fighters felt they have a stake in daily operations of the party and that their interests are catered for.

The ZANU PF Elders Council, also known as the Council of Elders, is a senior advisory body within the party. It is also a creation of the new revitalised ZANU PF led by its President and First Secretary, Cde Mnangagwa.

The main roles of the Elders Council include advising the President and the party leadership on key policy issues, party decisions and national matters. It also acts as a go to body in instilling unity, cohesion and resolving contradictions.

Given the fact that the council is comprised of senior members of the party with institutional experience, they also provide mentoring and guidance to younger party cadres and leaders.

The Elders Council led by Dr Sydney Sekeramayi, is comprised of experienced and respected party members, often with a long history of service and dedication to ZANU PF. They play a vital role in guiding the party and ensuring its continued relevance and effectiveness.

Another revitalised entity of the party is the Research, Strategy and Liaison in the Commissariat, headed by Dr Davison Gomo. It is a critical department in that it conducts research that leads to formulation of party policies, programmes and election manifestos.

The department undertakes scientific data analysis to support evidence-based decision making within the party and develops election strategies, monitoring political trends including analysing voter behaviour trends.

Its other functions include analysing global trends, researching international relations including documenting and preserving the party’s history; its struggles, achievements and milestones.

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The Research Department provides critical support to ZANU PF’s decision-making processes, ensuring the party remains informed, responsive, and effective in its governance and political endeavours.

So as preparations for the ZANU PF Conference gather momentum, it is critical to understand that the ruling party has never been a static political entity.

It has over the years tried to adapt to the prevailing local and international developments, which makes the coming National People’s Conference significant in that it entrenches a democratic culture in the party in which members are free to express their views on the direction of the party.

The ZANU PF National People’s Conference is essentially a policy review indaba that engages in robust discussions on refining party policies, aligning them with the country’s economic development goals and international engagements.

By hosting the conference in Bulawayo, the ruling party is expressing its commitment to inclusivity, grassroots engagements, decentralisation and empowerment of provinces, which has been the hallmark of President Mnangagwa’s leadership of not leaving anyone and any place behind.

Coming on the heels of the country successfully hosting the 44th SADC Summit in Harare, discussions will also focus on economic development strategies building on the momentum of hosting the regional summit and also attending the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC).

Other issues likely to feature on the agenda include curbing inflation, dealing with currency fluctuations and job creation.

The promise of a good rainy season augurs well for a party that strives to make Zimbabwe a food secure nation. So boosting agricultural production and industrialisation will form part of the agenda items.

As a revolutionary party, ZANU-PF attaches importance to the issue of the party’s ideology, values and principles that guide its actions and decisions.

Members are expected to be familiar with the party’s values including its own constitution.

The outcome in the recent South African elections, in which the oldest liberation movement in Africa, the ANC failed to garner a majority, has most likely jerked the ruling party to heighten its efforts in delivering economic prosperity to the people of Zimbabwe.

In fact, all former liberation movements need to look at issues that make them remain stronger, effective and as cohesive units capable of delivering and implementing policies that benefit citizens of their respective countries.