He
notably
avoided
endorsing
the
“2030
Mnangagwa”
campaign,
which
aims
to
extend
President
Emmerson
Mnangagwa’s
rule
beyond
the
constitutionally
mandated
two-term
limit.
Chiwenga’s
focus
on
the
well-being
of
citizens
and
economic
prosperity
signals
a
shift
away
from
internal
political
agendas,
even
as
some
Zanu
PF
delegates
push
for
Mnangagwa
to
remain
in
office
until
2030
through
a
proposed
constitutional
amendment.
Instead,
the
Vice
President
addressed
urgent
economic
issues
and
improved
food
security,
presenting
a
contrast
to
the
party’s
current
push
to
keep
Mnangagwa
in
power.
“It
is
therefore
essential
that
we
use
this
conference
to
develop
resolutions
that
drive
industrialisation
and
propel
our
economic
trajectory
towards
modernisation,”
Chiwenga
stated.
“This
will
fulfill
the
vision
of
our
President
for
the
realisation
of
Vision
2030.
As
the
ruling
party,
we
should
value
and
never
take
for
granted
the
trust
that
the
people
of
Zimbabwe
place
in
us
through
their
votes.”
Chiwenga
said
the
supremacy
of
the
party
over
the
government
should
ensure
the
implementation
of
resolutions
made
at
the
party
conference,
which
“should
be
taken
seriously.”
“Our
discussions
should
focus
on
enhancing
the
livelihoods
of
our
people.
Our
economy
must
continue
to
grow
to
ensure
food
security
and
general
prosperity
for
all,”
he
added.
The
Vice
President
stressed
the
importance
of
disciplined
leadership,
highlighting
the
role
of
innovation
and
industry
in
securing
Zimbabwe’s
future.
He
advocated
for
an
education
system
that
aligns
with
the
needs
of
learners,
saying,
“Industry
should
be
supported
by
evidence-based
research,
science,
and
technology
innovation,
leading
to
infrastructure
development.”
He
also
underscored
the
need
for
a
stable
currency,
saying,
“Most
importantly,
our
currency
should
retain
its
value
to
boost
trade
and
commerce
for
the
common
good
and
public
convenience.”
Chiwenga
further
called
for
economic
empowerment
to
take
precedence
over
political
consolidation,
urging
resolutions
that
promote
industrialisation
and
economic
modernisation
in
line
with
Vision
2030.
“As
such,
we
gather
here
to
review
the
implementation
of
resolutions
from
the
20th
National
People’s
Conference
held
in
the
Midlands
in
2023.
Our
revolutionary
party
president
continues
to
ensure
that
the
development
of
our
nation
leaves
no
one
and
no
place
behind,”
he
remarked.
“With
the
conclusion
of
the
National
Development
Strategy
(NDS1)
nearing,
this
conference
gives
us
the
opportunity
to
create
strategies
to
overcome
challenges
such
as
the
El
Niño
drought,
the
COVID-19
pandemic,
and
food
security
issues,”
Chiwenga
said.
He
added
that
as
Zimbabwe
prepares
to
launch
NDS2,
the
party
and
government
must
continue
to
implement
policies
that
uplift
the
livelihoods
of
Zimbabweans.
“Our
growth
must
ensure
equitable
development,
leaving
no
one
and
no
place
behind,”
the
Vice
President
stated.
Reports
indicate
that
tensions
between
Mnangagwa
and
Chiwenga
have
escalated
as
support
for
Mnangagwa’s
third-term
push
gains
momentum.
Many
Zanu
PF
delegates
from
Harare,
Midlands,
Mashonaland,
and
Matabeleland
provinces
have
called
for
Mnangagwa
to
lead
until
2030,
garnering
widespread
support
and
applause.
Despite
his
reluctance
to
endorse
Mnangagwa’s
third-term
bid,
Chiwenga
acknowledged
Mnangagwa’s
contributions
to
Zanu
PF
and
commended
his
leadership
in
agriculture,
mining,
and
tourism
under
the
philosophy,
“Nyika
inovakwa
nevene
vayo,
ilizwe
lakhiwa
ngabanikazi
balo”
(The
country
is
built
by
its
owners).
“Let
me
remind
you
all
that
our
president
has
been
a
consistent
and
influential
figure
in
shaping
Zimbabwe’s
political
landscape
since
the
1960s.
He
has
been
a
loyal,
selfless,
and
dedicated
son
of
this
revolutionary
party,
Zanu
PF,”
Chiwenga
said,
highlighting
Mnangagwa’s
long-standing
service.
Chiwenga
also
praised
Mnangagwa
for
his
decision
to
join
other
Zimbabwean
youth
in
resisting
the
white
minority
rule,
saying,
“The
president
continues
to
defy
the
odds,
embodying
the
true,
unshaken
African
spirit
of hunhu and ubuntu,
especially
in
the
face
of
neo-colonial
challenges
such
as
illegal
sanctions.”
He
concluded
by
urging
Zanu
PF
members
to
remain
united
and
disciplined
in
their
mission
to
build
a
peaceful
and
prosperous
Zimbabwe.
“I
urge
you
all
to
be
disciplined
cadres,
work
together,
and
uphold
our
core
values
of
peace,
unity,
and
development
as
we
strive
to
improve
the
lives
of
our
people,”
said
the
Vice
President.
“Let
us
learn
from
the
president,
in
whom
we
have
total
confidence,
as
a
peacebuilder,
unifier,
and
champion
of
development.”