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Minister Obert Mpofu

Patrick Chitumba Senior Reporter 
MATABELELAND provinces are at an advanced stage in preparing for Zanu-PF’s 6th National People’s Congress that will run from December 2 to 7 in Harare. Each province was tasked to raise $150,000 that will go towards the hosting of the congress and yesterday Matabeleland North provincial chairperson Cde Richard Moyo said they had so far raised over $200,000.

Close to $100,000 was raised during a fundraising dinner held recently in the resort town of Victoria Falls.

Politburo member Dr Obert Mpofu chipped in with $70,000 at the function where he was the guest of honour.

“Our plan is to raise $300,000 of which we will direct $150,000 towards the construction of our party offices in Lupane and the rest we will deposit into the party’s national account towards the congress,” he said.

“We are still fundraising for the congress. It’s not over because we are making follow-ups on pledges and engaging the corporate world.”

Bulawayo provincial secretary for finance Cde Charles Chiponda said they had planned a fundraising braai tomorrow at a local hotel.

He said they were expecting all the accredited members and the business community to come and support the province.

“We are having a braai on Friday aimed at raising more funds for the congress,” he said.

Cde Chiponda said they were going to auction a cow at the event.

“We received a cow which we are going to auction. Raffle tickets are going for $10 and someone lucky will go home with the cow,” he said.

Cde Chiponda could not give the exact number of delegates accredited and the amount raised so far.

He said the amount raised so far would be made public at the function.

“Accredited members are very eager to go to the congress to support the leadership of President Mugabe and endorse the elevation of the First Lady Cde Grace Mugabe to lead the Women’s League,” he said.

Matabeleland South acting chairperson Cde Rapelang Choene, while confirming that preparations are on course, could not give the amount raised or the number of delegates who have been accredited. He said the details would be available on Saturday.

The revolutionary party is targeting to raise $8 million for the indaba that is held every five years.