Zimbabwe’s ruling party, ZANU PF, one of Southern Africa’s oldest revolutionary political parties, is set to hold its annual congress in Zimbabwe’s second capital city, Bulawayo. The congress will bring party members together to discuss issues affecting both the party and the country, including economic growth, industry, health, and the political sector.

Bulawayo, historically known as the City of Kings and Queens, was founded by the late Ndebele King Lobengula. Politically, it holds significant importance as the hometown of several prominent figures, including the late Joshua M. Nkomo, former Vice President of Zimbabwe and the second Secretary of ZANU PF (formerly PF ZAPU). Due to his prominence in Zimbabwean politics and his role in the liberation struggle, Nkomo is the only Zimbabwean politician with a statue erected in Bulawayo.

Bulawayo is both a metropolitan city and a province. Since independence, the province has been a stronghold of the main opposition parties: PF ZAPU, MDC, MDC-T, MDC Alliance, and currently, the CCC party, which holds the majority of parliamentary seats and controls the city’s council. However, ZANU PF has made inroads into the city’s political landscape, winning some parliamentary and council seats during the 2023 by-elections, which were seen as controversial by some.

Known as one of the cleanest and best-managed cities in the country, Bulawayo faces significant challenges, including water rationing and electricity blackouts. Residents have reported going up to six days without water and experiencing power outages lasting as long as 16 hours.

Despite these challenges, Bulawayo remains an industrial hub, although its industrial areas, such as Belmont, have become quiet, with some sections repurposed for Sunday church services.

One of these industrial areas is located near the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF), where ZANU PF’s 21st Annual National Conference will be held. ZITF is also the exhibition center for major industrial and trade fairs, such as Mine Entra, Sanganai-Hlanganani Tourism Expo, and the ZITF itself.

The congress will take place under the theme “Industrialize and Modernize Towards the Attainment of Vision 2030.” Many residents of Bulawayo are hopeful that the ruling party will address key local issues, including the high unemployment rate, the need for full devolution, and the ongoing shortages of water and electricity faced by the province.