Zanu-PF Intensifies Grassroots Mobilisation as National Cell Day Draws Thousands Across Zimbabwe

Vice President Constantino Chiwenga

HARARE – Zanu-PF on Saturday conducted one of its biggest nationwide grassroots mobilisation exercises, with thousands of party members gathering at their registered cells across Zimbabwe for the annual National Cell Day programme aimed at strengthening structures, verifying membership records, and recruiting new supporters. The exercise, held simultaneously in all 10 provinces, brought together Politburo and Central Committee members, Cabinet ministers, Members of Parliament, senators, councillors, and ordinary party members in line with the ruling party's constitution, which recognises the cell as its basic organisational unit.

The programme forms part of Zanu-PF's ongoing digital membership registration initiative, designed to create a verified electronic database while ensuring every member belongs to an active party cell. Each Zanu-PF cell consists of about 50 members and is administered by a committee representing the Main Wing, Women's League, and Youth League.

Representing President Emmerson Mnangagwa at Dambudzo 1 Cell at Pricabe Farm, Politburo member Daniel McKenzie said authentic grassroots structures remained central to the party's organisational strength.

"There is no structure more important than the cell. Without a strong foundation, nothing stands. That is why Zanu-PF continues to strengthen its grassroots structures," McKenzie said.

He said President Mnangagwa, who attended the February verification exercise at the same cell, had intended to participate but was called away by official duties. Cell chairperson Liberty Siziba said the President consistently participated in cell activities because he understood their importance in maintaining party structures.

Vice President Constantino Chiwenga attended the Makarichi Cell meeting in Hwedza, Mashonaland East, where he urged members to remain united and embrace community-driven development initiatives.

"Development of the country should start from the grassroots. Communities must initiate projects, and Government will support them," Chiwenga said.

He also pledged to provide members with copies of the Zanu-PF constitution to strengthen their understanding of party procedures.

In Harare Province, provincial vice-chairperson Ephraim Fundukwa attended Cell 3 in Southlea Park, saying National Cell Day promoted unity and strengthened neighbourhood-based mobilisation. Former Harare South legislator Shadreck Mashayamombe, attending Cell 1 under George Nyandoro Branch in Ushewokunze, said increasing attendance reflected growing confidence in the ruling party's programmes. Party officials said more than 15 former opposition supporters joined Zanu-PF during the exercise in Ushewokunze, while Warren Park also recorded new memberships.

In Southerton's Sally Mugabe Branch, Julius Nyerere District, provincial chairperson Paradzai Tagarika encouraged members to verify their records annually while expanding recruitment.

Zanu-PF Secretary for Business in Zone 6, Andrew Makahamadze, praised local structures for sustaining mobilisation efforts.

"You can see defections from the opposition joining the party, which reflects growing confidence in our ideology and development programmes," he said.

Elsewhere, Zanu-PF Secretary for Legal Affairs Ziyambi Ziyambi attended Matikwiri Cell in Zvimba West, describing the verification exercise as critical to the party's digitisation programme.

Minister of State for Masvingo Provincial Affairs and Devolution Ezra Chadzamira joined members at DSO Business Centre in Masvingo West, while Politburo members Ottilia Maluleke and Lovemore Matuke attended meetings in Chiredzi East and Gutu Central, respectively. Political analyst Rashweat Mukundu previously told local media that strong grassroots structures remain vital for political parties because they enhance voter mobilisation, communication, and policy implementation at the community level. Similarly, the Zimbabwe Election Support Network (ZESN) has consistently noted that political party structures play an important role in civic engagement and electoral participation.

Across the country, eyewitnesses described high attendance, orderly verification processes, and active recruitment drives, with party officials saying the annual National Cell Day has become one of Zanu-PF's flagship organisational programmes as preparations continue ahead of future electoral cycles.

Zanu-PF National Cell Day