ZANU-PF has started preparing for the annual National People’s Conference to be held in Gweru in the Midlands Province with Bulawayo targeting to raise US$50 000 towards the smooth running of the event.
The conference is slated for October 27 and 28 at the party’s Convention Centre.
Among other issues, Zanu-PF is expected to reflect on its achievements, the state of the party, the economy, food security and nutrition, social services, and poverty eradication.
The party will also touch on macroeconomic stability and re-engagement, infrastructure development and utilities as well as value addition and beneficiation.
The conference will also take stock of the performance of the party in the just-ended elections.
The National People’s Conference, which comes after the ruling party’s victory in the August 23-24 harmonised elections, 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.
Bulawayo province has started mobilising resources ahead of the conference and is appealing for donations.
Zanu-PF Central Committee member and fundraising committee chairperson Cde Charles Chiponda said the party is seized with preparations for the indaba.
“The Zanu-PF leadership in Bulawayo is making preparations for the annual people’s conference. The national and provincial committees were created last month to carry out fundraising activities around the country, and to solicit funds before the National Conference,” he said.
“The Bulawayo fundraising committee comprises a number of the party’s members and business community drawn from different portfolios and is chaired by myself.”
Cde Chiponda appealed to various stakeholders in Bulawayo to donate generously to the party. “Our target is US$50 000 and donations can be in cash or kind. Whoever wishes to donate to Zanu-PF should approach the committee with their donations. I believe the target of US$50 000 is achievable if people work together to make the conference a success” he said.
“We are saying no donation is small and therefore, we are appealing to any business and individuals to donate towards the annual People’s Conference.”
Cde Chiponda said businessman Cde Mnothisi Nsingo and musician-cum-politician Cde Sandra Ndebele Sibindi are among the members of the fundraising committee.
He said the fundraising committee is highly credible.
“Please do not give the donations to any other person other than the members of the fundraising committee who will identify themselves.
“I want to make it known to our members and stakeholders that only those on the committee will be responsible for receiving donations,” said Cde Chiponda.
“We are trying to curb a situation where everybody goes around purporting that they are responsible for fundraising,” he said.
Cde Chiponda said donations can be made to the FBC Nostro Account 2253001990115 and Zim dollar account 6153001990115.
He said the party also accepts donations in kind such as mealie meal, rice, cooking oil, beef and chicken.
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