ZANU PF has resolved to rename Zimbabwe’s provinces, which currently bear names associated with the country’s colonial past, arguing that these names are divisive.
Zimbabwe is divided into 10 provinces: Harare, Bulawayo, Midlands, Masvingo, Manicaland, Mashonaland Central, Mashonaland East, Mashonaland West, Matabeleland North, and Matabeleland South.
Most provinces, except Harare, Bulawayo, Midlands, and Masvingo, are named after the predominant ethnic groups in those areas.
The decision, made during the party’s annual conference in Bulawayo, aims to promote national cohesion and will be implemented by various government departments, according to ZANU PF Secretary for Legal Affairs, Patrick Chinamasa. Said Chinamasa:
<blockquote>
On liberation war heritage, the party directs government to accelerate renaming of provinces and do away with colonial names, which divide the nation.
</blockquote>
Commenting on ZANU PF’s resolution, historian Methembe Hadebe said naming the provinces based on ethnicity was part of the colonialists’ “divide and rule” strategy.
He remarked, “It was a tactic designed to prevent people from recognising their identity beyond their ethnic backgrounds.”
Hadebe added that renaming the provinces would foster national pride rather than allowing individuals to focus solely on their ethnic identities.
However, Brian, a UK-based Zimbabwean who preferred to use only his first name, told <a href="https://www.zimlive.com/zanu-pf-plans-name-changes-on-provinces-claims-current-ones-divisive/">ZimLive</a> that divisions stem from the government’s attitudes toward the regions, not the province names. He said:
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This is much ado about nothing, honestly. We have lived with these names for more than 40 years and I did not see anything potentially damaging about them. I stand to be convinced.
While it is their right to deliberate over trivialities, I still feel ZANU PF could have best spent their precious time finding solutions on how to bring other provinces that lag behind in terms of development at par with the rest.
For example, Matabeleland South is known as the poorest province in the country.
I lived in the province for decades confronted by its sorry state of affairs daily. I will not celebrate a sudden change of name when there is still no sign of development there.
Surely, a resolution on how to scale up development in the province is much more substantive and welcome than a dull discussion on changing ink on administrative letterheads and date stamps.
</blockquote>
Zimbabwe’s neighbour, Zambia, is divided into ten provinces: Central Province, Copperbelt Province, Eastern Province, Luapula Province, Lusaka Province, Muchinga Province, North-Western Province, Northern Province, Southern Province, and Western Province.
The names of these provinces are generally based on their geographical location, historical significance, or notable features.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Pindula News

ZANU PF wants to change names of provinces in Zimbabwe because they are from colonial times and cause division. Most provinces are named after ethnic groups. They want to promote national unity. Some say it's more important to focus on developing poorer provinces instead of changing names. In Zambia, provinces are named based on geography or history.

ZANU PF Proposes Renaming Provinces

ZANU PF wrapped up its 21st National People’s Conference at the Zimbabwe International Exhibition Centre (ZIEC) in Bulawayo on Saturday.
The conference resulted in the endorsement of over 162 resolutions. Here are the key resolutions regarding youth affairs and sport:
<ul>
<li>make use of ZIMDEF funds to establish new and upgrade existing Vocational Training Centres (VTCs) and Recreational facilities to curb idleness that leads to drug and substance abuse;</li>
<li>expedite the review of laws and policies to curb drug and substance abuse among the youths;</li>
<li>continue accelerating empowerment programmes including mining concessions, land, skills training, access to affordable capital and education;</li>
<li>promote the establishment of Youth Desks in every Ministry, Department and Agency;</li>
<li>provide affordable and accessible education from Early Childhood Development to Higher and Tertiary and support youths with exceptional talent;</li>
<li>ensure that attendance at the Chitepo School of Ideology is compulsory for every member of the ZANU PF Youth League;</li>
<li>consider the appointment of qualified Youths in Boards of State Owned Enterprises;</li>
<li>implement the 20% youth quota across all sectors;</li>
<li>tighten and enforce the laws against homosexuality and other social ills.</li>
</ul>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

ZANU PF had a big meeting in Bulawayo where they decided to make some new rules. They want to use money to make schools and playgrounds, stop drugs, help young people get jobs and education, and have youth desks in every government office. They also want to teach their ideas to young people and put them on important boards. They said they will make sure that fewer people are gay. They made over 162 decisions in total.

ZANU PF Conference Vows To Tighten And Enforce Laws Against Homosexuality

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has called on party members to guard against infiltration and maintain unity to protect the gains of the liberation struggle.
In his keynote address at the official opening of the 21st ZANU PF Annual National People’s Conference in Bulawayo on Friday, Mnangagwa said the party is in “safe hands” under the current leadership. He said:
<blockquote>
Under our watch, as this generation of leaders, our ZANU PF party ‘is in safe hands’. ZANU PF and the people of Zimbabwe are one.
We’re singing one national anthem, flying one national flag and working hard towards the attainment of our national Vision 2030 for the prosperity, modernisation, industrialisation and development of our beloved motherland.
However, party systems must be tightened and insulated against infiltration by divisive elements and malcontents who have no regard for the political order that is guaranteed by the Supreme Party Constitution.
</blockquote>
Mnangagwa said the party’s restructuring programme, starting from cells and villages, must urgently result in the creation of a credible party membership database. He said:
<blockquote>
I am aware that in some districts, chaotic records of members are deliberate and preferred by those holding party positions to gain favour or advantage over others.
This is unacceptable and must stop. Party structures are critical for a strong foundation of the revolution.
We should guard against infiltration into the structures and not to destroy the structures.
</blockquote>
Reports indicate that there are divisions within ZANU PF regarding succession, particularly concerning President Mnangagwa’s potential plans to extend his time in office beyond 2028.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

President Emmerson Mnangagwa is warning ZANU PF members to be careful of people who want to cause trouble and divide the party. He wants everyone to stay together to protect the country's freedom. Mnangagwa says the party is doing well under his leadership and they need to work together for prosperity. He also wants the party to be strong and not let anyone who wants to cause problems join. Some members are not keeping good records of party members, and this needs to change. There are disagreements in the party about who will be the next leader after Mnangagwa.

Mnangagwa Warns ZANU PF Members To Guard Against Infiltration By Divisive Elements

ZANU PF deputy president Constantino Chiwenga has urged the party to focus on improving Zimbabweans’ lives and boosting the economy.
Addressing party delegates at the ongoing 21st National People’s Conference in Bulawayo, Chiwenga did not support the “2030 Mnangagwa” campaign, which seeks to extend President Mnangagwa’s rule beyond the two-term limit.
While many delegates from Harare, Midlands, Mashonaland, and Matabeleland provinces have called for Mnangagwa to lead until 2030, Chiwenga chose to address economic and food security issues instead of endorsing a third term for Mnangagwa. He said:
<blockquote>
It is therefore essential that we use this conference to develop resolutions that drive industrialisation and propel our economic trajectory towards modernisation.
This will fulfil the vision of our President for the realisation of Vision 2030. As the ruling party, we should value and never take for granted the trust that the people of Zimbabwe place in us through their votes.
</blockquote>
Chiwenga emphasised the supremacy of the party over the government, urging the implementation of party conference resolutions to improve livelihoods and ensure economic growth.
He stressed the importance of disciplined leadership, innovation, and industry, advocating for an education system aligned with learners’ needs and supported by research and technology.
Chiwenga also underscored the need for a stable currency to boost trade and commerce and called for economic empowerment to take precedence over political consolidation, promoting industrialisation and modernisation in line with Vision 2030. He said:
<blockquote>
As such, we gather here to review the implementation of resolutions from the 20th National People’s Conference held in the Midlands in 2023.
Our revolutionary party president continues to ensure that the development of our nation leaves no one and no place behind.
With the conclusion of the National Development Strategy (NDS1) nearing, this conference gives us the opportunity to create strategies to overcome challenges such as the El Niño drought, the COVID-19 pandemic, and food security issues…
Our growth must ensure equitable development, leaving no one and no place behind.
</blockquote>
Chiwenga, despite his hesitance to support Mnangagwa’s bid for a third term, acknowledged Mnangagwa’s significant contributions to ZANU PF and praised his leadership in agriculture, mining, and tourism.
He said Mnangagwa has been a key figure in Zimbabwe’s political landscape since the 1960s, describing him as a loyal and dedicated member of the party.
Chiwenga commended Mnangagwa for his role in resisting white minority rule and highlighted his resilience against neo-colonial challenges like illegal sanctions, reflecting the spirit of “hunhu” and “ubuntu.”
The Vice President concluded his speech by urging ZANU PF members to remain united and disciplined in their mission to build a peaceful and prosperous Zimbabwe. He said:
<blockquote>
I urge you all to be disciplined cadres, work together, and uphold our core values of peace, unity, and development as we strive to improve the lives of our people.
Let us learn from the president, in whom we have total confidence, as a peacebuilder, unifier, and champion of development.
</blockquote>
The ZANU PF 21st National People’s Conference is currently taking place at the Zimbabwe International Exhibition Centre in Bulawayo.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

ZANU PF deputy president Chiwenga wants party to focus on helping people and economy boost.
He did not endorse "2030 Mnangagwa" campaign for President Mnangagwa to have third term.
He wants party resolutions to improve industry, economy, and education.
Chiwenga supports stable currency, economic empowerment, and modernisation.
He praised Mnangagwa for contributions in agriculture, mining, and tourism.
Chiwenga urged party members to stay united and disciplined for a peaceful, prosperous Zimbabwe.
The conference is happening in Bulawayo.

Chiwenga Sidesteps "2030 Mnangagwa" Campaign In ZANU PF Conference Speech

The supporters of Zanu PF insulted their party leaders at a victory celebration rally in Chiredzi. Insults were reportedly hurled at Masvingo provincial Women’s League chairperson Alignia Samson and Chiredzi West MP Farai Musikavanhu and other leaders who were present.
The party leaders had to leave the Tshovina Stadium when the situation got tense. The party supporters claimed that Musikavanhu had rigged the election after they had elected Samson to be their representative.
Zanu PF Masvingo Provincial Spokesperson Ronald Ndava, commented on the event:
<blockquote>“I think on the issue of rejecting the leaders they chose in the first place; people should be educated before it gets out of hand. On the other hand, the celebrations coincided with various other national events like the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair. That is why most invited guests did not attend.”</blockquote>
Samson confirmed to NewsDay that she was booed and stated that such incidents were expected in politics.
More:<a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/2019/04/zanu-pf-mps-jeered-at-party-rally/"> Newsday</a>

Zanu PF Supporters Reject Party MPs At Victory Celebrations

Civil servants may soon be expected to undergo ideological orientation at the ZANU PF Chitepo Ideological College. The proposal was made by the Matabeleland North party members in resolutions ahead of the party’s annual congress to be held in Esigodini next week. Part of the proposal read
<blockquote>The province resolves that the Chitepo Ideological College be operational at a provincial level and that all civil servants undergo in-service ideological training and that no public servant should be recruited before passing through ideological orientation.</blockquote>
ZANU PF set up the Chitepo Ideological College a few years back to ensure that supporters get a deeper understanding of its history.
<h3>More: <a href="https://www.newzimbabwe.com/zanu-pf-urges-ideological-training-for-civil-servants/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">NewZimbabwe</a></h3>

ZANU PF Propose To Introduce Ideological Orientation For Civil Servants

Earlier on we published a story in which,  ZESA <a href="http://www.pindula.co.zw/news/2016/12/14/zesa-preempts-everyone-congratulate-president-holding-successful-conference/" target="_blank"> jumped the gun and issued a congratulatory message</a> for a successful ZANU PF preference.
Since the conference is yet to start, people were bemused by this and shared their thoughts on Twitter.
https://twitter.com/nqabamatshazi/status/808946957427376128
https://twitter.com/BrezhMalaba/status/808951932576559104
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ZANU PF conference isn't done yet but chaps at ZESA, the struggling power utility just couldn't wait. Nauseating. <a href="https://t.co/GtN4fD2o3H">pic.twitter.com/GtN4fD2o3H</a>
— Alex T Magaisa 🇿🇼 (@Wamagaisa) <a href="https://twitter.com/Wamagaisa/status/808963198615429120?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 14, 2016</a></blockquote>
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😨 our precious tax dollars unconstitutionally blown in partisan silliness instead of power! 1Parly question coming up from me!
— Jessie F. Majome (@JessieFMajome) <a href="https://twitter.com/JessieFMajome/status/808959434621878272?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 14, 2016</a></blockquote>
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And every year they declare losses……Nxaah man!!
— Nkosi (@yenzile_sibiya) <a href="https://twitter.com/yenzile_sibiya/status/808958163848339456?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 14, 2016</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-dnt="true" data-width="550">
No wonder Zesa hires Maziwisa 4 PR duties.Their PR is a farce.Bootlicking yacho yonyadzisa. <a href="https://t.co/vy6XYf0nfb">https://t.co/vy6XYf0nfb</a>
— David M Mhambare. (@dmmhambare) <a href="https://twitter.com/dmmhambare/status/808957412120072192?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 14, 2016</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-dnt="true" data-width="550">
The height of inefficiency. How can you congratulate someone for what they haven't yet achieved? <a href="https://t.co/bWgtW9DWn8">https://t.co/bWgtW9DWn8</a>
— Shingai Dengu (@shingai23) <a href="https://twitter.com/shingai23/status/808966531514306560?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 14, 2016</a></blockquote>
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More: <a href="http://www.twitter.com">Twitter</a>

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