As the 22nd Annual People’s Conference of ZANU PF roars into life in Mutare, the gathering is more than a political meeting; it is a moment to reflect on a tangible national transformation. Under the leadership of President Mnangagwa and the Second Republic, the party’s mantra of “Nyika inovakwa nevene vayo” (a nation is built by its own people) is being translated from a vision into a lived reality across Zimbabwe.
The conference, centred on unity, development, and service delivery, finds its proof not just in party resolutions, but in the concrete, steel, and technological marvels reshaping the nation. Here is a look at some of the key milestones delivered across the country.
1. Revolutionising Transport and Easing Congestion
The most visible signs of progress are the state-of-the-art transport infrastructures unclogging our cities and boosting commerce.
· The Trabablas Interchange, Harare: Where the infamous Mbudzi Roundabout once caused endless gridlock, a US$88 million, multi-level interchange now stands. This engineering marvel, featuring 13 bridges, has slashed travel time from over 45 minutes to under five. It’s more than a road; it’s an economic lifeline, reducing logistics costs, improving fuel efficiency, and unlocking new commercial zones in surrounding suburbs.
· Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport: Our gateway to the world has been transformed. The US$153 million expansion has elevated it to a regional hub, capable of handling over six million passengers annually. With its modern facilities, it has attracted new international airlines, boosted tourism, and projects a confident, “Open for Business” Zimbabwe to the world.
2. Reclaiming Dignity and Driving Development Through Water
Addressing historical injustices and climate-induced challenges, the Second Republic is harnessing water as a tool for development.
· Lake Gwayi-Shangani: This monumental project is a direct response to decades of water scarcity in Matabeleland. Now over 72% complete, the dam will be Zimbabwe’s third-largest inland water body. It promises to end Bulawayo’s water woes, create a greenbelt of irrigation along its pipeline, generate 10MW of hydroelectric power, and spur tourism and fisheries—truly “leaving no one and no place behind.”
3. Modernising Agriculture and Securing Food Sovereignty
Embracing technology, the government is securing the nation’s food basket and reducing post-harvest losses.
· AI-Powered Grain Silos, Kwekwe: Zimbabwe commissioned its first-ever Artificial Intelligence-powered grain silos, a landmark in the quest for food security. These smart silos use IoT sensors and AI to monitor and control conditions, preserving grain quality and significantly reducing post-harvest losses. This is part of a broader national rollout to modernise the Grain Marketing Board’s infrastructure.
4. Digitising Governance and Restoring Citizen Dignity
The Second Republic has brought efficiency and pride back to public service through digital innovation.
· The e-Passport Rollout: Gone are the days of long, arduous queues for identity documents. The biometric e-passport programme, decentralised to over 20 centres nationwide, processes standard applications in just seven days. With over 1.6 million issued, it has cleared backlogs and even extended services to the diaspora, restoring dignity and efficient service delivery to citizens.
5. A National Wave of Projects: The Proof is in the Numbers
The progress is not isolated but part of a coherent national development agenda. As highlighted in a recent government compendium, the Second Republic has, from 2018 to 2024:
· Implemented 9,706 programmes and projects.
· Completed 6,660 of these projects.
These span every province, funded significantly through devolution funds, and include clinics, schools, roads, and courts, demonstrating a deep commitment to decentralised and equitable development.
Conclusion: A Conference of Tangible Results
As delegates deliberate in Mutare, they do so against a backdrop of undeniable progress. From the Trabablas Interchange connecting dreams, to Lake Gwayi-Shangani restoring dignity, and the AI silos securing our future, the Second Republic is building a legacy of action, not just words.
These projects are the building blocks of the Vision 2030 agenda, firmly placing Zimbabwe on the path to becoming an empowered, upper-middle-income society. The conference is therefore a moment to celebrate these milestones and to reaffirm the collective resolve to continue building a prosperous Zimbabwe, by its own people, for its own people.
