ZANU PF broke new grounds on Saturday as it launched its first Chapter in Mainland Europe in the city of Amsterdam; which will encompass Belgium, Netherlands and Luxembourg; named BENELUX .
These 3 countries share a common Ambassador and now have a politico-socio network to further the interests of both Party and country.
In defiance of the negative campaign, personality attacks and hate messages launched by some partisan groups and internet-based newspapers, ZANU PF UK Chairman, Cde Nick Mangwana led a high-powered delegation to Amsterdam to set up the branch; the first of its kind in mainland Europe.
Speaking at the meeting, Cde Nick Mangwana urged the delegates to remain focused in rebuilding the country and ignore the noise being made by those seeking relevance because of the failure of their regime-change agenda. He hailed the setting up of a platform which will continue to grow the Party and bring an awareness of national programmes as well as propagate party interests among the expatiate communities which will eventually lead to a united ZANU PF Europe.
With the realisation that the majority of people are not fully aware of the contents of the Zim Asset Policy, ZANU PF-UK has embarked on a programme to explain Zim Asset and make it simple enough for the enterprising mind to envision the opportunities that lie therein. Leading this initiative is the ZANU PF UK Science and Technology Secretary; Dr Samuel Chindaro, who gave a ground-breaking presentation on Zim Asset in Mainland Europe; following a series of presentations in the UK.
In his opening remarks, Dr Chindaro emphasised the fact Zim Asset was a national policy and it was therefore imperative that every Zimbabwean snap out of the “elections mode” , support and participate in its implementation. He went on to summarise and explain the contents of the document and how Zimbabweans in general and those in the Diaspora can actively participate in its implementation.
Dr Agatha Benyera Mararike, a member of the Women’s League and the Chairperson for the Kent Branch of ZANU PF UK gave an inspiring presentation on women empowerment and how they could participate in business. She emphasised that women already possess the necessary skills required to be successful in business. She pointed out women’s ability to multi-task, manage the household, and innovate among other qualities, make them ready-made for business.
Members of the Women’s League delegation gave testimonials of their achievements and what had inspired them. Cde Tsitsi Mudokwani chronicled her road to establishing a successful care business in Birmingham and her preparations to establish a stroke rehabilitation unit in Zimbabwe. Cde Everjoy Kurangwah described how she was working on utilising social media to bring together and empower women.
The Secretary General of ZANU PF UK, Cde Marshall Gore gave a presentation on the political dimension in business and how diasporas can do business in Zimbabwe. This was followed by the keynote presentation by the Chairman, Cde Nick Mangwana on Investing in Zimbabwe.
The final segment of the packed meeting saw the election of the leadership of the BENELUX branch. Cde Collen Munyoro was elected Chairman of the Chapter and Cde Stephen Matenga the Secretary for Administration. Cde Collen Munyoro holds a degree in Computer Science and is currently studying for an MBA in Project Management with the University of Wales. He is an expert in banking systems. In his address to the meeting he talked of his pride in taking part in this historic event and being elected the first Chairman of the first ZANU PF Branch in Mainland Europe. He promised to grow and promote the party and tell “its side of the story”.
The presentations were followed by a lively panel-led question and answer session which was open to the floor, for both question and answers. Issues included the question of dual citizenship, monitoring of the Zim Asset blueprint, funding of the Zim Asset Policy among others.
There was a large contingent from party members from the UK who also attended in solidarity with their comrades. This Included the top hierarchy of ZANU PF UK Women’s League led by Cde Ruth Jabangwe, the Chairman of the recently launched South West England branch, Cde Alfred Runyararo Benyera and members of the youth league. Special thanks go to Cdes P. Musunga, Everjoy Kurangwah, Charlene and Lucy Kadiki for all their efforts and contributions in making this historical occasion momentous. There was a lot of singing of revolutionary songs and celebration of this ground breaking occasion into the early hours of the morning.
The meeting was followed up the next day by a social event organised by the hosts which allowed members to interact and network. ZANU PF UK would like to pay tribute to the hosts who organised tours and a special “braai” by the seaside for the delegates.- Www.zanupfuk.com
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