Chiyangwa Opens Legacy Dinner to All Business People as Zanu PF Politburo Meeting Is Cancelled

Story By Staff Reporter

Zanu PF fundraising committee chairman Phillip Chiyangwa has invited businesspeople and the public to the party’s Presidential Ball and Legacy Dinner. The event takes place tomorrow, Saturday 10 October 2026, at the Hippodrome. Chiyangwa made the announcement at a press conference this evening at the Spirit Embassy: The Goodnews Church in Braeside, Harare.

Press Conference Follows Cancelled Politburo Meeting

The briefing came hours after Zanu PF cancelled a politburo meeting scheduled for 2pm today. As we reported earlier, party officials blamed a clash of programmes, while sources pointed to tensions between President Emmerson Mnangagwa and Vice-President Constantino Chiwenga.

The party’s annual conference is set for 12 to 17 October in Chinhoyi, Mashonaland West Province. Today’s press conference focused on the fundraising dinner, not on the cancelled meeting.

Tickets on Sale From 8am at the Venue

Guests must be seated by around 5pm on Saturday. Ticket sales for special seating start at 8am at the Hippodrome. Chiyangwa said his team will direct buyers to their seats.

He added that the party has opened the event to everyone. “I’ve also facilitated for anyone and everybody to be accommodated,” he said. He did not give ticket prices. When reporters asked, he told them to come and find out at the venue.

Chiyangwa said some seats remain in the special zone, and standing room is also available. He said he would rather see guests standing than turn them away. “I want the president to see them standing,” he said.

No Party Card Checks

A journalist asked whether organisers would check party membership cards. Chiyangwa said no. He described the dinner as a fundraiser and said he would not ask guests which party they support.

Organisers have so far accommodated 1,000 guests. Chiyangwa said he can seat many more at the blue seats he pointed out to reporters. He also promised good food, because the president asked for it.

A Chance to Meet the President

Chiyangwa said the dinner gives businesspeople direct access to Mnangagwa. He urged them to use the evening to discuss business ideas and opportunities.

“This economy has turned,” he said. He told those who want to change their lives to attend. “If you wanna dance, you will dance tomorrow with the president,” he added.

He also praised the president. Chiyangwa said Mnangagwa appointed him chairman of the fundraising committee in 1994, 32 years ago. He said the president has achieved a great deal in his years in office.

Fundraising Target Nearly Reached

Chiyangwa said he set a fundraising target of six million. He told reporters he is now close to that figure, but he still wants more guests to attend. He did not specify the currency.

“Let’s support this president, the party, so that the wheel keeps turning,” he said.

Dress Code and Media Accreditation

Chiyangwa asked guests to dress smartly. He questioned why successful businesspeople would want to look scruffy when meeting the president. “Come looking cool, looking nice,” he said.

Accredited journalists will attend free of charge. Organisers will announce accreditation procedures to the media. Reporters also asked about prizes at the event, but the press conference did not address the question.