ZANU PF First Secretary and President, Cde Emmerson Mnangagwa, has urged party leaders to urgently adopt new media platforms as instruments for promoting national unity, defending party ideology and amplifying Zimbabwe’s development agenda. He cautioned that digital platforms must never be abused for personal ambition, factionalism or self-serving agendas.
Addressing the Strategic Seminar Workshop for ZANU PF Central Committee members in Gweru on Friday, President Mnangagwa said digital communication should be used to “publicise the work and successes of our Party” and to “promote unity of purpose around our shared national vision.”
He warned: “I challenge us to use the media to promote unity of purpose and not as a tool for egos, opportunistic and self-seeking behaviour.”
The President emphasised that the seminar was convened to strengthen leadership capacity, deepen ideological clarity and reinforce collective discipline within the ruling party.
“This gathering must be a platform for honest introspection and renewal as we consolidate people-centred governance under ZANU PF,” he said.
President Mnangagwa reminded Central Committee members of their constitutional mandate as the party’s principal decision-making body between congresses, responsible for implementing resolutions and supervising government programmes.
“This role imposes a sacred obligation on each member. We are custodians of Party discipline, guardians of ideological consistency and standard-bearers of collective leadership,” he said.
He called on leaders to recommit themselves to loyalty, humility and service to the people, stressing that the party was “bigger than all of us” and demanded respect for its constitution.
“The trust and confidence bestowed on us by our membership and the nation should be approached with soberness and reverence,” he said.
Touching on leadership ethics, President Mnangagwa dismissed any sense of entitlement, stating:
“Leadership is not conferred by position alone. It is earned through unwavering commitment to serving the Party and the people. No one can ever claim entitlement to a leadership post.”
He warned that disregarding the party constitution and ideological direction would lead to opportunism and decay, adding that such tendencies must not be allowed to take root under the current leadership. He also urged greater constitutional literacy, emphasising that understanding both the party and national constitutions was key to accountability and policy coherence.
Turning to the economy, the President said Central Committee members must be fully conversant with national development frameworks, including Vision 2030, and must support innovation across all sectors.
“Our Party should be more responsive and innovative in the way we approach challenges and opportunities in every sector,” he said.
He further encouraged leaders to recalibrate national interests in light of global shifts in trade, technology, security and artificial intelligence, stressing that national security remained a collective duty.
“Every leader is an ambassador of the Party and our beloved motherland,” he said, reaffirming the policy of being a “friend to all and enemy to none” and that “Zimbabwe is open for business.”
President Mnangagwa also reiterated zero tolerance for corruption, complacency and mediocrity, urging leaders to confront inefficiencies in both party and government structures.
“Tendencies to conceal inefficiencies are not acceptable. Nothing must undermine the attainment of Vision 2030,” he said.
In conclusion, the President said ZANU PF remains a party of results and urged the Central Committee to emerge from the seminar disciplined, innovative and development-focused.
“Together, as a united Party leadership, we have ensured that our unity, peace, sovereignty and territorial integrity remain intact,” he said.
