Samuel Kadungure
News Editor
ZANU PF Secretary-General, Advocate Jacob Mudenda, has urged party leaders to fully grasp their constitutional mandates and limits in order to prevent internal conflicts and foster disciplined leadership.
Addressing the Provincial Coordinating Committee (PCC) meeting held in Mutare yesterday (Thursday), Advocate Mudenda underscored the importance of clarity in authority to avoid overlaps and ensure respect for hierarchy.
He emphasised that constitutionalism is the cornerstone of principled leadership, as it ensures power is exercised within defined boundaries, procedures are followed, and fairness is upheld.
The meeting was attended by Politburo members, including Cdes Patrick Chinamasa, Munyaradzi Machacha, Lovemore Matuke, Tino Machakaire, John Paradza, Douglas Mahiya, Mable Chinomona, Mike Madiro, and Joshua Sacco, among others.
Advocate Mudenda highlighted Articles 12, Sections 105 and 115 of the party constitution, which outline the roles and functions of the PCC and the Provincial Executive Committee (PEC).
These structures are tasked with implementing party resolutions, policies, programmes, directives, rules, and regulations, as well as coordinating provincial activities and mobilising the masses through meetings, programmes, and rallies.
“It is prudent that every organ of the party and every office-bearer clearly understands their roles, functions, and limits of authority as provided in the party constitution. Executing mandates strictly within these parameters eliminates duplication, prevents conflict, and strengthens collective responsibility,” he said.
He further noted that the party constitution serves as both the legal and ideological foundation of ZANU PF, guiding conduct, decisions, and leadership. By defining structures, procedures, rights, and obligations, it provides the framework for discipline, order, and accountability.
A thorough understanding of the constitution clarifies responsibilities between the PCC and PEC, as well as among Politburo members, Central Committee members, and provincial chairpersons.
“When each leader understands their constitutional mandate and limits, they can perform their duties with confidence, discipline, and respect for institutional hierarchy. This clarity prevents overlaps, interference, and internal tensions, ensuring no office-bearer undermines another. Constitutionalism is the bedrock of principled and disciplined leadership—it guarantees that power is exercised within clear limits, procedures are observed, and justice and fairness prevail, while guarding against arbitrariness and personalisation of authority,” said Cde Mudenda.
Cde Jacob Mudenda urged PCC members to be innovative thought leaders, capable of translating their broad powers into practical programmes of action that enhance efficiency and ensure effective implementation of Vision 2030 and the National Development Strategy (NDS2) for the benefit of the people.
He stressed that provinces must craft high-quality, realistic quarterly work plans with clear timelines and measurable outputs. These plans, he said, must remain responsive to the people, firmly anchored in party ideology, and executed in line with the guidance of the President and First Secretary of the Party, Cde Dr Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa.
Expressing disappointment, Cde Mudenda noted that previous circulars from ZANU PF headquarters—particularly those outlining structures and modalities for monthly reporting—had not been fully communicated.
“This was evident when some provincial chairmen, Central Committee members, and Politburo members were unaware of these directives during PCC meetings. Failure to properly transmit such information is unacceptable. “Circulars from headquarters are binding instruments of policy direction, organisational communication, and programme implementation. They must be read openly during PCC meetings, thoroughly debated, and translated into concrete mechanisms for execution,” he said.
He emphasised that proper communication of circulars ensures uniformity of action, clarity of purpose, and accountability across all party structures. Ignoring or poorly transmitting them, he warned, creates gaps in coordination, weakens accountability systems, and undermines the implementation of party directives.
Cde Mudenda further highlighted the importance of structured meetings and reporting, stressing that PCC and PEC gatherings must be convened with clear agendas and conducted in an orderly manner. This, he said, guarantees focused discussions, effective monitoring of progress, and responsive leadership.
He underscored that the work of the PCC and PEC must be rooted in a culture of planning, structured coordination, and systematic implementation.
Integrated development at provincial level, he explained, can only be achieved when party policies, Government programmes, and conference resolutions are translated into concrete, time-bound provincial execution.
“This requires the PCC to provide strategic direction and oversight, while the PEC, as the executive arm of provincial leadership, takes full responsibility for crafting detailed and implementable work plans. These plans must reflect the specific realities and development needs of each province. In this way, party supremacy is expressed through organised, measurable, and people-centred programmes that directly impact citizens’ lives, driving the realisation of Vision 2030 through NDS2.
“To achieve this, every year must begin with a deliberate and rigorous planning process led by the PEC. The PEC must analyse party conference resolutions, Politburo and Central Committee directives, national development blueprints, and all circulars from headquarters, and translate them into a comprehensive Provincial Annual Work Plan and calendar of events. This masterplan should integrate mobilisation programmes, political education, economic empowerment initiatives, community development activities, constitutional meetings of party organs, and major commemorative and national events,” said Cde Mudenda.
He said PCCs must ensure comprehensive, aligned, and results-driven plans that deliver tangible outcomes.
He stressed that effective PCC leadership will be measured by its oversight of DCCs and engagement with party structures and stakeholders.
He underscored the importance of integrated coordination between the party, Government, and stakeholders in driving shared development agendas, citing China’s provincial governments as examples of robust development engines. “This demonstrates a fundamental principle: provinces understand their realities best, and when empowered, they become the most effective vehicles for delivering aggregated national development. In our own context, devolution provides the same opportunity. Section 264 of the Constitution of Zimbabwe decentralises powers of local governance to the people, enhancing their participation in decision-making. This constitutional mandate is reinforced by the party constitution, which empowers PCCs to monitor and recommend political and development programmes in the province, fostering an integrated approach among the party, Government, and stakeholders,” he said.
Cde Mudenda emphasised that PCCs must play a central role in shaping provincial economies in close liaison with the Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution. He said political direction and development implementation must move in lockstep so that devolution translates into visible and measurable outcomes, particularly through infrastructure development and essential social services that improve people’s lives. Given their immediate understanding of local socio-economic challenges and priorities, provincial leaders, he noted, have decisive influence in defining development pathways.
He urged PCCs to hold national leaders accountable by summoning ministers and senior officials to explain policy implementation. This, he said, strengthens party supremacy, coordination, and responsible leadership, ensuring leaders remain accountable to both the party and the people.
As the nation advances towards Vision 2030, Cde Mudenda stressed that provinces carry an increasingly decisive responsibility to ensure development is inclusive, visible, and impactful.
He said PCCs must monitor projects, enforce accountability, and provide honest feedback to inform national decision-making.
“You must remain the eyes and ears of the party and Government on the ground. This marks the beginning of a renewed phase of discipline, coordination, and action within our party structures.
“I urge you to develop clear, implementable action plans, strengthen administrative systems, improve communication, submit regular reports, and ensure all party directives are fully executed. Above all, unity must remain our greatest strength. We must reject factionalism, tribalism, regionalism, indiscipline, and all conduct that brings the party into disrepute. Instead, we must foster disciplined, constructive, and progressive engagement that advances the party’s vision and mission.”
He further called for intensified ideological orientation, stronger grassroots mobilisation, and active, responsive structures connected to the people.
“Our task is clear: to build a united, disciplined, and ideologically grounded party that translates policy into tangible improvements in people’s lives. Let us leave this gathering with renewed commitment, unity of purpose, and determination to serve with dedication, discipline, and integrity. Let us ensure development reaches every community so that no place and no one is left behind. Together, through hard work, organisation, and unwavering commitment, we shall continue to build a vibrant and prosperous party that is always at the service of the nation,” said Cde Mudenda.
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