Story by Godfrey M. Bonda
HARARE — President Emmerson Mnangagwa on Tuesday delivered a wide-ranging address at the 390th Ordinary Session of the Politburo, held on 25 February 2026, in which he paid tribute to three retired senior military officers whose contribution to Zimbabwe’s liberation and post-independence development earned them National Hero status.
The President honoured the late Retired Brigadier General Mark Charles Chimwaza, Retired Brigadier General Mathias Tizirai Ngarava, and Retired Brigadier General Samuel Mpabanga, describing them as gallant sons of the soil whose sacrifices were foundational to the country’s sovereignty and stability. He called upon the Politburo to observe a minute of silence in their honour.
Opening the session, President Mnangagwa formally welcomed Politburo members and expressed gratitude for life, good health, and continued unity within the Party. He commended ZANU PF for successfully convening both the Central Committee and Politburo High-Level Strategic Seminars, noting that these platforms had reinforced ideological clarity, discipline, loyalty, and patriotism.
He underscored that the Politburo remains the Party’s supreme strategic nerve centre, tasked with providing ideological leadership and ensuring that all departments implement clear, time-bound programmes aligned with national priorities.
On the economic front, President Mnangagwa outlined the ruling Party-led Government’s people-centred policy framework, highlighting measurable progress in macroeconomic stabilisation, fiscal discipline, and production growth across key sectors. He noted Zimbabwe’s expanding footprint in export markets and cited the recent Exporters Conference held in Bulawayo as evidence of renewed confidence in the productive economy.
Turning to Party mobilisation, the President applauded sustained growth in ZANU PF membership and acknowledged the Party’s electoral performance in recent by-elections. He emphasised the strategic importance of grassroots structures, particularly the National Cell and Village Day programme, as the backbone of political organisation. Mashonaland East Province was singled out for commendation following its successful hosting of National Youth Day in Marondera.
In regional and international affairs, President Mnangagwa reported on Zimbabwe’s positive diplomatic standing following engagements at the African Union 39th Ordinary Session. He reaffirmed Zimbabwe’s commitment to sustainable water and sanitation development, aligning national priorities with the AU’s 2026 thematic focus.
He further highlighted Zimbabwe’s candidature for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council for the 2027–2028 term, as well as the country’s forthcoming role as host and Chair of the COMESA Summit, describing both as indicators of growing international confidence in Zimbabwe’s leadership and diplomacy.
Concluding his address, President Mnangagwa declared 2026 a decisive year for accelerated socio-economic transformation under Vision 2030. He called on Party leadership at all levels to demonstrate unity, collective responsibility, patriotism, and exemplary conduct, reaffirming ZANU PF’s commitment to safeguarding national sovereignty while driving inclusive development and long-term prosperity.
