Harare- ZANU PF Mashonaland West Province has raised more than US$500 000 towards the party’s 23rd National People’s Conference set for October in Chinhoyi, surpassing the US$300 000 target.

The fundraising dinner held on Friday in Harare was attended by Central Committee members, government officials, corporates and business leaders as well as individuals.

Guest of honour, Central Committee member and Senate designate Kudakwashe Tagwirei, was represented by Bridging Gaps chief operations officer (COO) Charles Chitambo. Tagwirei pledged US$100 000.

In a speech read on his behalf, Tagwirei said collaboration was key to economic growth.

“The party cannot build the economy on its own, our government cannot build the economy alone, business, professionals and communities cannot build the economy alone. We must build together, hence this fundraising dinner for the conference,” he said.

Politburo members and senior provincial leaders Ziyambi Ziyambi, Christopher Mutsvangwa, Douglas Mombeshora, Polite Kambamura and Vangelis Haritatos contributed US$50 000 collectively. Manicaland Senator Monica Mutsvangwa donated US$10 000 in cash.

Corporate contributors included Pinnacle Holdings led by Philip Chiyangwa, Geo Pomona Waste Management and CAG. CAG further pledged 50 cattle.

Also present were Public Service Deputy Minister Mercy Dinha, Mashonaland West Devolution Minister Marian Chombo, Chegutu MP. and former Information minister Webster Shamu and his wife Constance.

Provincial chairman Senator designate Mary Mliswa welcomed guests and said it was her first conference to host in that capacity. Mashonaland West last hosted the national conference in 2013.

“This will be my first National People’s Conference to host as a provincial chairman. I want Mashonaland West to rise to the occasion and demonstrate that when entrusted with a major national responsibility, we deliver,” Mliswa said.

She said the conference from October 12 to 17 at Chinhoyi University of Technology would showcase the province’s agriculture, minerals, tourism and industry. Mashonaland West, dubbed “Mashonaland Best”, remains the bread basket of the nation.

Mliswa thanked all companies, individuals and institutions that supported preparations which she said were at an advanced stage.

The event opened with a minute of silence in memory of victims of the Mbuya Nehanda ferry disaster on Lake Kariba which claimed 97 lives.