Bulawayo-ZANU-PF First Secretary and President, Cde Emmerson Mnangagwa, is set to lead the ruling party in commemorating National Cell Day tomorrow, an exercise aimed at strengthening the party’s grassroots structures, unity and visibility.
President Mnangagwa, accompanied by members of the First Family, is expected to attend the event at his party cell at Precabe Farm in Kwekwe.
In a demonstration of the party’s internal democratic practices, the President will participate as an ordinary cell member, listening to proceedings led by the cell chairperson and offering guidance where necessary. While he is expected to deliver brief remarks, the main address will be presented by the cell chairperson, in line with party tradition.
Speaking in an interview yesterday, Zanu-PF National Political Commissar Cde Munyaradzi Machacha said attendance at National Cell Day was mandatory for all party members, regardless of rank. The event will run from 11am to 1.30pm across the country.
“Every member of the party, from the Presidium, Politburo and Central Committee down to the grassroots, is required to attend this event at their respective cells or villages,” said Cde Machacha. “We will assess our strength and verify whether our members are registered to vote, making this a very important exercise for the party.”
He said National Cell Day focuses on sustained membership recruitment while also verifying and updating the party’s membership database.
“The exercise will be used to confirm existing members, ensure they remain active within the organisation, acknowledge new members and honour those we have lost. It allows us to take an accurate account of our party’s numbers,” he said.
Cde Machacha noted that under the leadership of President Mnangagwa, Zanu-PF has experienced significant membership growth, which he said was reflected in the party’s strong performance in recent by-elections.
“Under President Mnangagwa’s astute leadership, the party has recorded notable growth, as evidenced by victories in most by-elections. National Cell Day provides an opportunity to measure and consolidate this progress,” he said.
He added that the initiative plays a critical role in bridging the gap between national leadership and grassroots structures by enabling direct interaction with communities.
“From the Presidium to the Politburo, Central Committee, provincial, district and branch levels, all leaders above the cell structure will return to their respective cells to engage directly with members,” said Cde Machacha.
Cell chairpersons have been tasked with setting agendas that address local development priorities, including the improvement of clinics and schools, as well as the rehabilitation of feeder roads.
Introduced in 2022, National Cell Day is a key component of Zanu-PF’s strategy to revitalise its mass mobilisation structures. According to the party’s constitution, a cell structure comprises at least 50 members.
Politics
