Traffic Diversions Set as Zanu-PF Annual Conference Begins in Chinhoyi

Traffic Diversions Set as Zanu-PF Annual Conference Begins in Chinhoyi

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Thousands of delegates converge on Chinhoyi for the ruling party’s annual conference, triggering strict traffic diversions on major highways, accommodation shortages, and mandatory health screenings. The high-profile gathering has reshaped local logistics across Mashonaland West Province as leadership debates key policy directions.

Preparations for the 23rd Zanu-PF Annual National People’s Conference reached completion as approximately 7,500 delegates began converging on the Chinhoyi University of Technology (CUT) in Mashonaland West Province. Scheduled from October 12 to October 17, 2026, the gathering operates under the official theme, From Resolutions to Results: Consolidating Economic Development and Deepening Empowerment towards Vision 2030.

Party leaders, government officials, business representatives, and visitors filled available lodging across the town. The municipality’s sole star-rated accommodation facility booked to capacity through October 18, while local lodges and student boarding houses also reached their limits. The sudden housing squeeze prompted some visitors to make private arrangements or stay with relatives, while residents offered rooms for a fee.

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Traffic Restrictions on the Harare-Chirundu Highway

To manage the influx of vehicles, the Zimbabwe Republic Police implemented mandatory traffic diversions along major routes. Starting Tuesday, October 13, 2026, authorities restricted haulage trucks and heavy-duty transport from using the Harare–Chirundu Road in both directions.

The Zimbabwe Republic Police Mashonaland West Province issued formal travel instructions for commercial operators and motorists driving through the region during the event week.

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Photo: bulawayo24.com

“The Zimbabwe Republic Police Mashonaland West Province advises those in the transport industry, particularly haulage trucks, that they are restricted to use the Harare–Chirundu Road from Chinhoyi to Harare starting today, Tuesday, October 13, 2026. Drivers are urged to proceed via Chinhoyi–Chegutu Road, and those proceeding to Harare will then use the Robert Mugabe Highway linking with Harare–Bulawayo Road at Norton.”

Commissioner Paul Nyathi, National Police Spokesperson, via The Herald

Law enforcement officials emphasized that identical rules apply to motorists traveling from Harare toward Chinhoyi. Police urged drivers to cooperate with officers stationed along the alternative corridors and strictly adhere to traffic regulations as conference-related congestion peaks.

Mandatory Pre-Accreditation Health Screening for Delegates

Delegates arriving at party headquarters in Harare faced mandatory health evaluations before receiving their conference credentials. NetOne’s One Health, working in collaboration with ZimSmart Villages, administered tests checking blood pressure, blood glucose levels, and screenings for prostate and breast cancers.

Conference attendees were required to present a card labeled Your Health Passport – Proof of Screening containing personal details such as their name, district of origin, date of birth, and phone number. While failing to complete the check did not bar individuals from attending, health workers recorded outcomes to flag potential medical concerns.

The screening process generated mixed reactions among participants regarding privacy and the handling of sensitive personal data. One attendee questioned the collection protocol, noting that such measures leaves one feeling a sense of unease and asked for whom is this data being collected, and what do they intend to use it for? Another delegate from Mashonaland West acknowledged the speed of the modern equipment used on-site but questioned the legal purpose behind gathering detailed personal health metrics.

Traffic Diversions Set as Zanu-PF Annual Conference Begins in Chinhoyi
Photo: iharare.com

Delegates Displace Students from Campus Residences

The arrival of thousands of delegates also affected local student housing. Hundreds of learners residing in campus and off-campus residences—including Varsity Heights—were ordered to vacate their quarters to accommodate conference attendees.

Despite local disruptions, provincial leaders pointed to long-term infrastructural benefits accompanying the conference preparations. Mashonaland West provincial chairperson Mary Mliswa-Chikoka highlighted the coordination between government agencies and security services.

“We look forward to welcoming the leadership, delegates and visitors to Chinhoyi and Mashonaland West Province. Our priority is to ensure a smooth, orderly and successful conference.”

Mary Mliswa-Chikoka, Zanu-PF Mashonaland West Provincial Chairperson, via Bulawayo24

Regional authorities also tied the event’s momentum to broader development initiatives, including a planned expansion of Chinhoyi’s water supply system.

Presidential Directive on Economic Goals and Development

Addressing delegates at the inaugural President’s Ball fundraising dinner in Harare, President Emmerson Mnangagwa emphasized that the conference must deliver practical, citizen-focused results. He stated that the value of the deliberations must prove measurable, transformative and impactful as the nation pursues its upper middle-income goals under Vision 2030.

Traffic Diversions Set as Zanu-PF Annual Conference Begins in Chinhoyi
Photo: ZimLive.com

In tandem with party objectives, Mashonaland West Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Marian Chombo encouraged upcoming business owners and small-to-medium enterprises to use the gathering's commercial footprint.

“This is an opportunity for everyone in business, particularly our upcoming entrepreneurs, to market their products and services. You never know where such an opportunity can lead.”

Marian Chombo, Mashonaland West Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, via Bulawayo24

The conference agenda continues through the week, moving from initial leadership sessions at party headquarters to committee meetings and plenary events at the Chinhoyi University of Technology venue, concluding with final ceremonies on Saturday.

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