The Chronicle - Breaking news

December 4, 2014

LIVE UPDATES: Zanu-PF 6th National People’s Congress (2 – 7 December 2014)

15:25 Foreign sister organisations have finished delivering their solidarity messages and delegates break for lunch. Local sister organisations will deliver their messages tomorrow, Zanu PF National Chairman has announced.

15:18 December 12 Movement Solidarity message: They congratulate the endorsement of the First Lady to lead the Women’s League and say they will always be with Zimbabwe as they have continued since 1972. They declare that Zimbabwe will never be a colony again and is a country for Zimbabweans.

15:01 Cuba Communist Party: The Cuban people convey solidarity message on the occasion of the congress adding that the two countries share the same challenges of sanctions imposed by the West and its allies.

14:57 Sudan says Zimbabwe will always prosper under the leadership of Presdient Mugabe.

14:53 South Sudan Liberation Movement solidarity message: The president congratulates Zanu PF for the 6th National People Congress. African liberation movements supported our leader and it is through this solidarity that South Sudan got independence in July 2011. We are truly grateful for that.

14:45 DPRD official from Democratic Republic of Congo solidarity message. The official says the DPRD appreciates the honour and privilege of being invited to the congress. This indication is a strong signal of the strong ties that exist between Zimbabwe and DPRD as well as Zanu PF and DPRD. We take this opportunity presented to us by the congress to congratulate the people of Zimbabwe and especially president Mugabe for unity. The ideological line of Zanu PF encourages nations to be masters of their own destiny. Thanks ZANU PF for the invitation.

14:35 Nangolo Mbumba, Swapo Secretary General conveys SWAPO solidarity message – “We are aware of deliberate and well orchestrated events meant to destabilise cohesion among revolutionary parties in the region. There is therefore need for sister parties to close ranks and thwart the obnoxious move. SWAPO salutes Zanu PF and wishes the party well and does not doubt that after the congress, the party will emerge stronger and forge ahead in pursuit of the implementation of ZimAsset. ‘Pamberi neZanu PF, Phambili leZanu PF,” as he wraps his message.

14:29 He tells delegates that the ANC shares deep links with Zanu PF and were together in the trenches fighting colonial masters. He adds that the ANC wishes ZANU PF wisdom to take the country forward and stimulate economic growth and success.

14:26 The National Chairman now invites Dr Zweli Mkhize, the treasurer general of ANC Africa to give his party’s solidarity message

14:20 National Chairman informs delegates that the venue, Harare Civic Grounds has been renamed Robert Mugabe Grounds and four roads have been renamed Dr Grace Mugabe, Dr Simon Vengesai Muzenda, Dr Joshua Muqabuko Nkomo and ZimAsset respectively. He also expressed gratitude for the food (rice, mealie-meal, beef and sausages donated by the first family to the congress.

14:07 Zanu PF delegates break into song and dance as they belt popular rendition, “Musaputse Sungano”. President Mugabe, Dr Grace Mugabe, Cde Edna Madzongwe and Professor Moyo are dancing as well.

14:04 Cde Mudenda calls upon the Chairman of Bulawayo Province to move the motion to take note of the Key Note Address and accept the report presented by President and First Secretary of Zanu PF. The Acting Chairman of Midlands Province seconds the motion.

13:58 He praises President Mugabe for teaching them good leadership that they should be honest and truthful leaders who have unity of purpose through self introspection. He assures the President that God will fight his battles and wishes the first family long life. “Long Live President Mugabe, Long Live Mother of the Nation, Dr Mugabe,” he says.

13:55 Congress delegates break into song and dance as President Mugabe leaves the podium to take up his seat. Cde Jacob Mudenda now addressing the gathering and chants ‘DOWN WITH REBELS.’

13:53 He hands over the Central Committee report to delegates before thanking attendees for coming. “Pamberi nekubatana, Phambili lokubambana, Phambana lokubamba,” he says raising his fist and firmly waving it to mark the end of his speech.

13:55 Cde Jacob Mudenda takes to the podium and shouts – “ DOWN WITH REBELS!”

13:50 He said 2013 elections were people driven which is why no one among leadership should claim it. “It belongs to you, the people. Which is why you used your powers to clean up the party. Today we are here to look at ourselves and the policies that we should follow, ZimAsset kupedza hurombo, dams, irrigation and things like that. This congress is about celebrating victory.”

13:47 President Mugabe says some had lost hope that the party will rise and did not want to go for elections. Some had deserted the posts the party had assigned them. Some had formed alliances with MDC formations to topple the government with the help of western nations. He also castigated the dirty team that wantonly betrayed the ideals of Zanu-PF.

13:45 He thanks foreign delegates for coming to support Zanu-PF, a party that emerged victorious in the 2013 elections.

13:40 Zanu-PF had to endure the inclusive government because it had performed dismally in the 2008 elections – President Mugabe.

13:35 “Those who are corrupt will be prosecuted if the allegations are proven and all government officials involved in any corrupt dealings will have their employment terminated,” – President Mugabe.

13:30 He says, “Tinotenda kuti tiritose asi zvakanaka kuti vatadzi ava takavabata tisati tasvika patiri. Zvinhu izvi zvagara zvichiitika mumusangano asi tinozvitadza. Tinokutendai nekubatana kwamakaita, makarasa marara aya.”

13:25 President Mugabe thanks party leadership and supporters for unity of purpose and working together to flush out people who were bent on betraying the ideals of the struggle.

13:20 “This is how thieves behave,” President Mugabe on VP Mujuru and her cabal of thieves who boycotted Congress. He gives anecdote of a stranded couple which they accommodated overnight but stole his mother and sister’s clothing and left early morning in a huff.

13: 15 “Over the years we thought we were working together with her, but alas, behind our backs she was plotting my downfall. We carried investigations and noted it was a clique that involved provincial chairpersons and ministers. Information started trickling in from provinces that a plot to topple the President was on the cards,” – President Mugabe

13:07 “The party saw it fit in 2004 to include women within the top leadership, resulting in the appointment of VP Mujuru” – President Mugabe.

13:05 The past leadership failed to fulfill the aspirations of the people due to a myriad of problems which included a cabal within the leadership which wanted to remove me from power – President Mugabe

13:02 President Mugabe commends war veterans for uniting Zanu-PF and castigates those who wanted to change the party leadership and topple him from power

12:58 President Mugabe takes to the podium at the invitation of SK Moyo

12:53 “A revolution does not succeed on the basis of the weakness of the opposition but the successful implementation of its programmes” – SK Moyo

12:50 Zanu-PF grew stronger during my chairmanship. Factionalism is a dangerous virus – SK Moyo

12:45 SK Moyo is delivering his welcome address.

12:10 Zanu PF National Chairman has announced the beginning of the proceedings at officially convenes the sitting of the Congress in terms of Article 5, Section 22 of the Zanu PF Constitution. He has announced that in terms Article 9, Section 44 (1) of the constitution, he will chair the plenary.

11:50 Bishop Manhanga delivers the opening prayer.

11:20 President Mugabe has arrived at the venue but is yet to enter the marque. He is reported to be in a briefing party leadership. Vice President Joice Mujuru is has not arrived.

10:50: Zanu PF National Chairman, Cde S.K. Moyo making last minute arrangements to the high table in anticipation of the president’s imminent arrival. Chief of Dr Munyaradzi Kajese making last minute inspection of the higher table.

10:30: An army of local and foreign journalists present here at the Zanu PF National People’s Congress venue. This is testament to the massive interest the event has has garnered.

An army of Journalists covering Zanu PF National People’s congress

10:27: Cabinet Ministers and Politburo Members Dr Olivia Muchena, Dr David Parirenyatwa and Cde Sydney Sekeramai have arrived at the venue.

10:21: All Women’s League provincial chairpersons have been summoned outside the marque by out going secretary for women affairs, Cde Oppah Muchinguri for a quick briefing.

10:04: Security is tight in and around the venue with scores of police, military, intelligence officers and party youths maintaining order and keeping the peace.

The Congress Venue has been renamed Robert Mugabe Square

09:43: ZANU PF headquarters is a hive of activity with last minute preparations underway. Scores of Zanu PF supporters are camped outside the party headquarters as they wait for the mop up accreditation to commence. Among those try to beat the last minute accreditation is former Zimbabwean Ambassador to South Africa and Russia, Cde Phelekezela Mphoko.

DAY 3 – ZANU PF NATIONAL PEOPLE’S CONGRESS

13:40: President Mugabe has just entered the hall and the meeting is supposed kick off anytime from now

13:32: Cde Simbarashe Mbengegwi has just arrived.

13:28: Dr Timoth Stamps has arrived and proceeded into the hall.

13:24: ‪ Cde Patrick Chinamasa has also arrived. Delegates are just moving in and out of the hall and some are standing outside.

13:11: Professor Jonathan Moyo and Cde Savior Kasukuwere have just arrived. They went straight into the hall.

13:07: Cde SK Moyo and Cde Mnangagwa have just entered the hall. The environment is calm here and the meeting has not started. President Mugabe is still in the main building.

13:01: Cde Cephas Msipa, Cde Jacob Mudenda and Cde Goodwills Masimirembwa have also arrived.

12:25: Dr David Parirenyatwa, Cde Olivia Muchena and Cde Christopher Mutsvangwa have arrived at Zanu PF Headquarters for the Central Committee meeting.

12:15: Central Committee members are now entering the hall to take their positions but Cde Mnangagwa has moved out of the hall and proceeded into the main building. Cde Ignatius Chombo has also arrived. The meeting has not started and some members of the Central Committee are still arriving.

12:07: Cde Sydney Sekeramai has just arrived here at Zanu PF Headquarters. Cde Mnangagwa too has just arrived and went straight inside the hall where the meeting is taking place

11:45: Zanu PF delegates are now standing outside the hall to welcome the President who just arrived but went through the basement.

11:44 The vehicle, Zim1 has just arrived the President, Cde Robert Gabriel Mugabe has arrived at Zanu PF Headquarters for the Central Committee meeting.

DAY 2 ZANU PF NATIONAL PEOPLE’S CONGRESS

1702: The First Lady’s meeting ends, she refuses to be interviewed

1628: The First Lady is still in the closed door meeting

1628: Harare provincial affairs minister Miriam Chikukwa sneaks out using another entyrance avoiding youths who have been denouncing her through a song . . . “Chikukwa chera mwena nguva yakwana”

1605: Scores of Zanu PF youths are outside singing songs denouncing the kingpins of the plot to topple President Mugabe namely VP Mujuru, Cdes Webster Shamu and Didymus Mutasa.

1546: The First Lady is done and currently in a closed door meeting with the party leadership as journalists wait outside hoping to get an interview with her.

1509: The First Lady has arrived at the congress venue and is now being taken around.

1423: Cdes Saviour Kasukuwere, Jonathan Moyo, Patrick Zhuwawo and Patrick Chinamasa have arrived.

1412: Also present is Zanu PF national chairman Cde Simon Khaya Moyo, national commissar Webster Shamu, deputy health minister Dr Paul Chimedza and NetOne general manager Reward Kangai.

1408: The team that accompanied her during her “Meet the people tour” are already here. These are Cdes Oppah Muchinguri, Shuvai Mahofa, Sarah Mahoka and Eunice Sandi Moyo.