Zimbabwe: Ruling party conference a mere talk shop

The recent ZANU PF annual people’s conference in sleepy Masvingo town turned out to be a mere talk shop as had been widely expected, with ruling party officials ducking critical issues that have made Zimbabwe the focal point in the world. Apart from taking the regrettable step of hurriedly withdrawing Zimbabwe’s membership from the grouping of former British colonies - the Commonwealth - the lavish conference was void of substance despite the gloomy socio-economic situation that demands urgent action. With President Mugabe publicly declaring he was there to stay and his key ZANU PF stalwarts lacking new ideas on how to deal with pressing issues, the indaba degenerated into a sloganeering and war dance showcase.