MUTARE – The Office of the President and Cabinet in Manicaland has issued a directive compelling miners in the province to contribute a minimum of US$3,000 each towards Zanu PF’s forthcoming 22nd National People’s Conference.
A letter dated September 28, 2025, and signed by the Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Misheck Mugadza, states that the contribution is “mandatory” and must be paid by October 2.
The letter, bearing official government letterhead, follows a provincial fundraising meeting for the ruling party’s conference, scheduled for later this year.
“As per the resolution, all miners are required to contribute a minimum of $3,000 USD towards the fundraising efforts for the conference,” the letter reads. “This contribution is mandatory and aims to support the success of the conference.”
The directive has already stirred outrage among miners, who say the ruling party is abusing state offices and government authority to raise funds for partisan activities.
“This is extortion. We are already struggling with high operational costs, electricity shortages, and poor prices for our minerals. Now we are being forced to bankroll a political party event,” one small-scale miner told ZimLive.
Critics argue the move exposes the blurred lines between Zanu PF and the state, with government structures being used to advance party interests.
The Zanu PF annual conference, typically attended by thousands of delegates from across the country, is a major event on the party’s calendar and often used to consolidate political power and endorse policy positions.
Mutare will host this year’s conference from October 13 to 18. – ZimLive
