By Chiedza Nyabadza
President and First Secretary of ZANU PF, Cde Emmerson Mnangagwa, yesterday officially opened the 132nd Ordinary Session of the ZANU PF Central Committee in Harare, calling on Government and the Party to listen, act and deliver to improve the lives of Zimbabweans.
Addressing members of the Central Committee, President Mnangagwa said the meeting would examine the state of the Party, assess progress on national development and make decisions aimed at improving the socio-economic well-being of all Zimbabweans.
At the outset, the President recognised the deaths of several gallant sons and daughters of the soil since the last Central Committee meeting in July, including businessman Mr Wicknell Chivayo and his wife, who died last night in a helicopter crash in Marondera along with four others.
“Only last night, we were shocked and saddened to hear the news of the helicopter crash that claimed the lives of prominent businessman, Mr Wicknell Chivayo, and his wife, along with four others.
“His philanthropic works and impactful life touched many across our nation and beyond.
“He will be remembered by us all,” said President Mnangagwa.
President Mnangagwa called on the Central Committee to observe a minute of silence in honour of the departed.
The passing of Constitutional Amendment Act No. 3 was also described as an expression of trust by Party members and the people of Zimbabwe in ZANU PF.
The President said the Party had an obligation to raise the quality of servant leadership, accountability, discipline and integrity.
On national development, President Mnangagwa said it was not the responsibility of Government alone, calling for a Whole-of-Government-and-Society Approach.
Under the approach, each province and district is expected to identify its opportunities and develop practical solutions to nurture vibrant provincial economies through the exploitation of local resources.
On food security, President Mnangagwa said Government was implementing mitigatory measures ahead of the 2026/2027 summer cropping season, including early warning systems, grain security, support for vulnerable communities and expanded irrigation.
“No Zimbabwean should go hungry.
“No community should face the consequences of climate change impact alone.
“Climate-proofing agriculture is no longer optional but a critical national priority,” said President Mnangagwa.
The economy continues to show resilience and growth across key sectors, with an improving macro-economic environment and people-centred policies creating a firmer foundation for sustainable development.
President Mnangagwa said investment and exploration in the mining sector were increasing, while value addition and beneficiation were gaining momentum to create employment and enhance economic sovereignty.
“The mantra Zimbabwe is Open for Business and the Engagement and Re-Engagement Policy continue to bear fruit, while MSMEs are making substantial contributions to GDP and the diaspora remains a valuable partner through remittances, skills transfer and investment.
“On preparations for the 23rd National People’s Conference to be hosted by Mashonaland West Province, preparations are gathering momentum,” he said.
The Conference will be held under the theme: “From Resolutions to Results: Consolidating Economic Development and Deepening Empowerment towards Vision 2030.”
President Mnangagwa tasked the Office of the Secretary General, in liaison with the Office of the President and Cabinet, to coordinate the full implementation of previous Conferences and Congress resolutions, emphasising Party supremacy over Government.
On international relations, President Mnangagwa said that, during the period under review, he handed over the SADC Chairmanship to South African President Cyril Ramaphosa after Zimbabwe worked to advance industrialisation and modernisation.
He said preparations for hosting the COMESA Summit in October were at an advanced stage, with Zimbabwe set to assume the Chairmanship and promote practical cooperation while unlocking economic opportunities under the African Continental Free Trade Area.
His recent participation at the 81st United Nations General Assembly provided a platform to present Zimbabwe’s position and reaffirm the country’s commitment to multilateralism, peaceful coexistence and the sovereign right of every nation to determine its own development destiny.
President Mnangagwa also called for a fairer and more representative global order.
He urged unity, collective leadership and revolutionary consciousness, saying words must be matched by action.
