By Tichaona Katsvamutima
ZANU PF raised more than US$9 million at its inaugural President’s Ball, exceeding its US$6 million fundraising target.
The fundraising dinner, held in Harare on Saturday, October 10, mobilised resources for the ruling party’s 23rd National People’s Conference, scheduled for October 12 to 17 in Chinhoyi, Mashonaland West Province.
Among the items auctioned were President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s personal academic and professional memorabilia, including records of his 1975 graduation class at the University of Zambia (UNZA), his dissertation and graduation certificate, and a framed photograph commemorating his admission to the Bar in 1976.
Addressing business executives, party officials and supporters, Mnangagwa, who is also ZANU PF’s First Secretary, challenged political leaders and the business community to translate economic policies and party resolutions into measurable results.
“The theme of the Conference, ‘From Resolutions to Results: Consolidating Economic Development and Deepening Empowerment towards Vision 2030,’ reminds us that the true value of our deliberations and decisions should be measurable, transformative and impactful,” he said.
Mnangagwa urged businesses to increase investment, support value addition and beneficiation of natural resources, and fulfil their statutory obligations as Zimbabwe pursues upper-middle-income status by 2030.
“I am confident that as business and industry, you will play your part by running with the national Vision and NDS 2 as well as adhering to all laws, including meeting all statutory obligations. Always lead by example.”
He also called for sustainable financing of ZANU PF through investments capable of generating long-term revenue, rather than relying solely on contributions from supporters.
“We must never shy away from building a broader asset-base to develop long term sources of income and sustainable Party financing.”
Despite the emphasis on financial sustainability, Mnangagwa concluded his address with a direct appeal for donations.
The fundraising success provides a financial boost ahead of the Chinhoyi conference, where the ruling party is expected to assess progress on previous resolutions and outline its economic and political priorities towards 2030.
