AT least US$2 million is needed for the successful staging of the 13th Zanu-PF Annual People's Conference that will be hosted by the Midlands Provincial capital Gweru from December 4-9. Zanu PF spokesperson Cde Rugare Gumbo last week said 5 000 delegates are expected to attend the conference. "At least US$2 million is required for the hosting of the conference and the provinces have been given a target of US$150 000 to raise by the time the conference starts," he said.

The conference will be held under the theme "Indigenise, Empower, Develop and Create Employment".

Cde Gumbo said the theme was chosen in line with the current Government indigenisation and economic empowerment drive and would also be Zanu-PF's campaign strategy in next year's elections.

This was agreed at the 261st ordinary session of the Politburo held at the party's headquarters on Wednesday.

The conference will be held at a new conference centre that is currently under construction at a farm on the outskirts of Gweru.

Cde Gumbo also said delegates from sister organisations and former liberation movements were also expected to grace the occasion and deliver solidarity messages.