Richard Muponde, Zimpapers Politics Hub
ZANU-PF is closing the year on a celebratory note, framing 2025 as a period of substantial delivery, strengthened organisation, and renewed confidence.
The party’s leadership, led by its First Secretary and President, Cde Mnangagwa, has consistently defined the year by strong governance and “unprecedented milestones” across economic, political, and ideological fronts.
This year-end posture blends tangible development projects, vigorous mobilisation, symbolic national events, and a deliberate consolidation of internal structures, projecting a party firmly in control of both the national agenda and its organisational depth.
A year defined by development delivery
The ruling party’s narrative was shaped by visible development works that Zanu-PF argues demonstrate the tangible results of the Second Republic’s policies.
Infrastructure development dominated the messaging, with new dams, water-transfer systems, rural electrification projects, and housing developments forming the backbone of the party’s claim to progress.
Large energy investments, including hydropower expansion plans and off-grid solutions, were highlighted as steps toward addressing Zimbabwe’s long-standing energy challenges.
For the leadership, these projects are proof that economic transformation is no longer theoretical. President Mnangagwa reminded party leaders of this momentum recently.
“As the curtain comes down on 2025, we have much to celebrate from the viewpoint of both the Party and our Zanu-PF-led Government,” said President Mnangagwa, addressing the 129th Central Committee meeting.
Urban and rural settlements, public-sector housing projects, and improved social amenities strengthened the Government’s “leaving no one and no place behind” narrative.
The party repeatedly tied these developmental accomplishments to its revolutionary heritage, positioning infrastructure not just as a governance achievement but as part of the ideological continuity from liberation to modernisation.
Organisational renewal and structure consolidation
Beyond development, Zanu-PF spent much of the year consolidating its internal machinery. The cell-verification and renewal programme was one of the most intensive structural exercises in years. It was intended to cleanse, strengthen, and modernise the party’s lowest organisational units, which form the backbone of its electoral and mobilisation strategy.
The programme was both political and symbolic, reinforcing loyalty, tightening control, and positioning the party to maintain its grassroots visibility. President Mnangagwa emphasised this resilience and unity, stating:
“Together as one people, from all the four corners of our country, in our diversity, we achieved unprecedented milestones across every facet of our economy and society.”
The insistence on unity, cohesion, and constitutional discipline was a recurring theme throughout the year. The party leadership warned against factional tendencies and individualistic behaviour, stressing that the strength of Zanu-PF is rooted in collective obedience.
The President reminded cadres: “Each Party member must subject themselves to the Constitution; the minority to the majority, and lower structures to higher structures.”
This approach demonstrates how Zanu-PF views internal order as vital to its long-term political survival.
Major events reinforce momentum
The party’s calendar was full of events that reinforced its narrative of strength and continuity. Chief among them was the 22nd Zanu-PF National People’s Conference held in Mutare, a gathering framed as both celebratory and strategic.
The conference reasserted the party’s commitment to Vision 2030 and the National Development Strategy, positioning Zanu-PF as the architect and custodian of Zimbabwe’s economic trajectory. It also reaffirmed Resolution Number 1, which supports extending President Mnangagwa’s term from 2028 to 2030 to see through the Vision.
Anti-sanctions commemorations, national cultural events, and regional diplomatic engagements allowed Zanu-PF to display its sovereignty narrative. Party rhetoric throughout the year invoked themes of resilience, self-determination, and national pride.
President Mnangagwa captured this sentiment when he reminded delegates to the Central Committee.
“The people’s revolution, which is our mass colossal party, Zanu-PF, is like a flame whose light is sustained by following the correct line and our ideology, as well as discipline, patriotism, and loyalty.”
Through these events, Zanu-PF sought to reinforce its legitimacy and connect modern governance with the historical struggle.
Aggressive recruitment and expanding base
Another highlight of the year was Zanu-PF’s aggressive recruitment drive, which resulted in the party’s membership rising to above four million.
The party focused on youth, women, diaspora networks, and professional groups, seeking to broaden its base while neutralising potential political competitors.
These efforts coincided with reinstated provincial structures, strengthened commissariat activities, and enhanced ideological training through the Herbert Chitepo School of Ideology.
New members were publicly welcomed at various rallies and provincial events, symbolising Zanu-PF’s renewed confidence and its strategy to secure future electoral advantages.
The recruitment momentum further supported the party’s argument that it remains the most organised political institution in the country.
Liberation heritage and Vision 2030
Zanu-PF’s end-of-year messaging draws heavily on its liberation heritage. As one of Africa’s oldest and most entrenched liberation movements, the party has consistently relied on the ideological link between independence and governance legitimacy.
The Second Republic’s political narrative is anchored in modernising while preserving this heritage. President Mnangagwa articulated this continuity when he declared that the country is on an irreversible journey toward Vision 2030.
By positioning Vision 2030 as a national destiny tied to liberation values, the party strengthens the perception that political loyalty to Zanu-PF is intertwined with national progress.
A critical lens on the high-note ending
Despite many challenges, Zanu-PF ends the year with substantial political momentum. The combination of infrastructural visibility, strengthened structures, strategic messaging, ideological reaffirmation and aggressive recruitment has created an image of a party confident in both its achievements and its future direction.
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