By Timeforbusinessstudios, Mutare | October 18, 2025 The ruling ZANU PF party has wrapped up its 22nd National People’s Conference in Mutare, with delegates endorsing a resolution to extend President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s term of office beyond 2028 — a move that could see him remain in power until 2030 if constitutional changes are approved.
The six-day gathering, held from 13 to 18 October at the Mutare Sports Club, brought together thousands of delegates from all ten provinces, including senior party officials, war veterans, women, youth, and ex-combatant wings.
The conference was marked by lively debate, song, and displays of party solidarity under the banner “Unity, Renewal and Transformation Towards Vision 2030.”
In his keynote address, President Mnangagwa hailed the party’s resilience and called for unity and discipline among members, reminding them that ZANU PF remained “the people’s party” anchored on liberation ideals and economic transformation.
“This conference is not just about rhetoric — it is about reflecting on what we have achieved and where we must go as a nation,” Mnangagwa told the cheering delegates.He also used the occasion to commission new development projects in Manicaland Province, including a flour milling plant and a pharmaceutical warehouse, symbolising what he described as “visible evidence of progress under the Second Republic.”
Key Resolutions The conference’s most talked-about outcome was the adoption of a resolution directing the party’s legal department and government structures to begin processes for extending the presidential term limit.
Party Legal Affairs Secretary Ziyambi Ziyambi said the move was meant to ensure “continuity, stability, and transformation.”The resolution has, however, sparked debate among opposition figures and civic groups who argue it undermines the spirit of Zimbabwe’s 2013 Constitution, which limits presidents to two terms.
Beyond the headline resolution, the conference also focused on several organisational and economic issues. The Commissariat Department reported that the party now has over four million registered members, with efforts underway to digitise membership records for better coordination ahead of future elections.
A separate Policy and Economic Transformation Commission discussed the government’s performance under the National Development Strategy (NDS1) and urged stronger efforts in job creation, industrialisation, and infrastructure development.
Delegates also called for renewed focus on agriculture and energy security to cushion citizens from economic challenges.Unity, Renewal, and Youth Inclusion The Youth and Women’s Leagues played a prominent role during the conference, calling for greater inclusion of young people and women in leadership roles.
Party National Chairperson Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri urged delegates to “guard the revolution through discipline, hard work, and loyalty,” while Vice President Constantino Chiwenga stressed that unity remained the cornerstone of party strength.Despite strong messages of solidarity, analysts observed quiet tension among certain factions, particularly regarding succession and future leadership dynamics.
Still, the official tone remained one of harmony and forward movement.Economic Focus and Local Development Holding the conference in Mutare was itself symbolic, highlighting ZANU PF’s intention to decentralise national events and showcase development outside Harare.
Local businesses benefited from increased activity as thousands of delegates filled hotels and trading spaces, bringing economic life to the eastern city.Throughout the week, exhibitions showcased achievements in mining, agriculture, and technology, aligning with government’s push towards Vision 2030
Zimbabwe’s goal of becoming an upper-middle-income economy by the end of the decade. Looking Ahead As the curtains came down on Saturday, delegates left Mutare energised and confident that the party remains firmly in control of the country’s political direction.
For now, the ruling party’s focus turns to implementing its resolutions, strengthening grassroots structures, and preparing for the next electoral cycle. Whether this conference will be remembered as a moment of renewal or consolidation of power will depend on how ZANU PF turns its words into tangible action in the months ahead.