High optimism ahead of ruling party’s Conference

Robin Muchetu, Senior Reporter

Zanu-PF National Chairperson Cde Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri has expressed optimism during her recent tour of the ruling party conference venue on Thursday, highlighting that the conference was going to be comprehensive in its approach to issues such as the continued price increases.

“Our conference agenda prioritises the state of the economy, especially as we head into another agricultural season where we are anxious about what lies ahead. The country has witnessed a disturbing trend where prices of goods and services continue to increase putting immense strain on household budgets,” she said.

She emphasised the need for a comprehensive discussion regarding the factors driving these price increases.

Zanu PF national chairperson Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri

“We must engage with our economic experts to uncover the root causes of this inflationary pressure. The people are eager for solutions and transparency regarding the trajectory of our economy,” she added.

The party’s national chairperson noted that as the country prepares for the agricultural season, discussions will touch on it and the need for food security and household and national levels.

She said the mining sector was one critical sector that the conference would need discussions on.

Zimbabwe aims to achieve a US$12 billion mining economy by 2030, a goal underscored by recent reports indicating that the mining sector’s performance remains critical to national economic recovery.

“We will also explore how industry fits into our plans, especially as we analyse the rising costs that citizens face daily,” she said.

The socio-economic effects of climate change are also expected to be a major topic with Cde Muchinguri-Kashiri stressing the importance of addressing these challenges, particularly as Zimbabwe grapples with frequent droughts that threaten food security.

The conference will discuss the Government’s commitments to ensure that no one faces starvation during these difficult times, an assurance that resonates deeply with citizens impacted by food scarcity.

“In light of the ongoing drought, our discussions will focus on social welfare initiatives and the Government’s preparedness to tackle these pressing issues. The people need to understand what measures we are taking and the resources allocated to mitigate these challenges,” she said.

In addition to economic matters, the conference will also focus on women’s issues, the status of the youth, and the performance of Small to Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in the face of economic hardship.

“Women and the youth are vital to our economy, and we will be examining the barriers they encounter in their entrepreneurial endeavours. By uplifting these groups, we can foster greater economic resilience,” said Cde Muchinguri-Kashiri.

Veterans of the liberation struggle and the youth will have their pertinent issues addressed during the conference as they have their own thematic areas.

She noted that the conference’s organizing committee has reportedly made substantial progress, with updates provided by various departments involved in the preparations adding that Bulawayo has been a hive of activity in recent weeks with high-level events taking place at the venue of the conference.

“The ZITF had an array of other important meetings like the one that was opened by His Excellency this morning (ZimTrade Exporters Conference), which is a very key meeting. Just a few days ago there was another important meeting, the Mine Entra and all the halls that they were using are the same halls that we are going to be occupying also during our annual people’s conference. So, they require additional days to make sure everything is spot on,” she added.

She applauded the commitment of party members from different provinces for contributing resources and efforts to ensure a successful conference.

Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Judith Ncube, expressed her enthusiasm for hosting the conference in Bulawayo and highlighted the economic opportunities it presents for local businesses.

Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Judith Ncube

“This conference will bring together thousands of delegates, including business people and international visitors, boosting our local economy. I urge residents of Bulawayo to extend their hospitality and showcase the nice places offered by our city during this significant event,” she said.

Zanu-PF Secretary for Information and Publicity in Bulawayo Province, Cde Archbold Chiponda underscored the expected influx of nearly 5 000 economically active individuals, which he believes will invigorate the tourism and hospitality sectors.

“The increased demand during the conference will see restaurateurs and leisure facilities benefit substantially, thereby injecting vitality into our local economy,” he noted.

Meanwhile, the Hospitality Association of Zimbabwe’s Bulawayo chapter is preparing for the anticipated surge in demand for accommodation and services, with many hotels already booked to capacity.

Chapter President Kudzai Ratisai expressed confidence in their readiness, emphasising that recent events like Sanganai/Hlanganai and Mine Entra have equipped them to handle the influx of visitors effectively.

He said a conference of this scale not only aims to address pressing issues but also to energize the local economy and foster relationships that could lead to long-term benefits for the region.