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Nduduzo Tshuma Senior Political Reporter
ZANU-PF Matabeleland North province on Saturday attacked party national spokesperson Cde Rugare Gumbo for using his position to speak on behalf of his faction at the expense of the revolutionary party.
The province also distanced itself from attacks made by deposed Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans Association chairman, Cde Jabulani Sibanda on the First Family accusing them of wanting to stage a “bedroom coup”.
Speaking at a Provincial Coordinating Committee meeting in Lupane to outline the duties and responsibilities of the provincial congress coordination committee and appointment of subcommittee members, Matabeleland North provincial political head and politburo member, Dr Obert Mpofu, said they did not support factionalism.
“Now we don’t know whether those charged with speaking on behalf of the party are speaking on behalf of the party or faction. An old man appears on television frothing from the mouth speaking for a faction and not the party. We do not agree with that,” said Dr Mpofu in apparent reference to Cde Gumbo. The Chronicle has a recording of the deliberations of the meeting.
“If you are a Zanu-PF spokesman, speak on behalf of Zanu-PF, do not talk about your own things. We do not want that, it destroys the party. If you tell people, tell people things that will take the party forward and not what pleases you.
“If you see a person blaming others, they have a problem. Speak for the party and tomorrow speak for your things. They should not make us omatholwane babo.”
Cde Gumbo last Friday attacked The Herald of being unprofessional, damaging and negative on the coverage of Vice President Joice Mujuru who he said had fantastic leadership qualities.
Turning to allegations of abuse of office, corruption, extorting shareholding from companies and demanding bribes that were levelled against Mujuru, by the First Lady, Cde Gumbo said the allegations were false and the work of people bent on destroying Zanu PF from within.
Cde Gumbo alleged that the people involved in the Tsholotsho declaration in 2004 were the same people targeting Mujuru in what he termed Tsholotsho 2.
Dr Mpofu said Matabeleland North was the only province lauded by the First Lady during her recent “meet the people” tour for not being involved in factionalism.
“In issues of factionalism we were absolved. In Matabeleland North we always say we are not involved in factionalism. We were mentioned by name that we are the only ones free from factionalism,” said Dr Mpofu.
He said some people were given money to disturb the province and the leadership had the names of individuals that were sent but the people refused to join factions.
“Even the President knows. I saw the names, both the youth and elders were given money,” said Dr Mpofu
He said Matabeleland North was behind the leadership of President Mugabe and the province was the first to endorse the decision to elevate the First Lady to head the Women’s League when some were undecided.
“I’m happy with what was said by (Matabeleland North war veterans chairman Cde Jonathan) Nkanyezi when he said yesterday (Friday), he had nothing to do with things said by Jabulani and that what Jabulani said was his personal view and not that of the war veterans. The war veterans are behind the First Lady,” said Dr Mpofu.
“Let’s not be swayed by things we don’t know. We might fight among ourselves but let’s not get into factions. Let us follow the path of the party.”
Dr Mpofu said the province has always stood by the party and follow laid down guidelines.
“Let’s not follow things without guidelines. People were used to mischief. People would approach me sitting with my children and say support me. We grew up in the party but there are ‘helicopters’ that want to sit on our heads,” he said.
“If you go asking for positions from people you have a problem. It should come to you. Let us not take part in that because we will be caught in crossfire. In Matabeleland North, there is no factionalism. No one (from the province) has ever approached me and said they wanted a position.
“There are some here who have attended many meetings, I know in Bulawayo and we have their names, promising people that you have given them the Vice Presidency. Meetings held at lodges and hotels. If you are called to a hotel, go and eat then wipe your mouth and leave.”
Dr Mpofu urged members to desist from making promises to aspiring candidates on behalf of the province.
“Lying that Matabeleland North supports you for this position. Don’t do that. You will soil Matabeleland North,” he said.
The provincial congress coordinating committees headed by the most senior members in the structures will coordinate and guide the work of various provincial subcommittees and get reports from subcommittees. The committee will report to Zanu-PF national chairman, Cde Simon Khaya Moyo.
The Matabeleland North provincial Congress Co-ordination Committee led by Dr Mpofu comprises Cdes Sithembiso Nyoni, Thokozile Mathuthu, Jacob Mudenda, Professor Jonathan Moyo, Cain Mathema, Samuel Mugande, provincial chairman Richard Moyo, provincial women’s league chairperson Medeline Bhebhe, youth chairperson Tamuka Nyoni with Cde Bigboy Nkiwane as secretary.
The province also appointed members of subcommittees headed by central committee and politburo members. Cde Jacob Mudenda was appointed to head the Documentation and legal subcommittee, Cde Sithembiso Nyoni Finance, Cde Cain Mathema Organisation, Cde Sikhanyisiwe Mpofu Security and Accreditation, Prof Moyo Communication, Cde Mathuthu Transport and Social Welfare, Cde Mugande Health and Cde Fati Mpofu Entertainment.
Bulawayo held a similar meeting yesterday where they also resolved to endorse President Mugabe as the sole candidate for the position of President and first secretary of the party in the December elective congress and sole candidate for the 2018 elections.
The province also endorsed the First Lady for the position of secretary for Women’s Affairs. In Bulawayo the provincial Congress Co-ordination Committee is led by Dr Sikhanyiso Ndlovu and other members are Cde Absolom Sikhosana, Cde Eunice Nomthandazo Moyo, Cde Angeline Masuku, Cde Joshua Malinga, Cde Tshinga Dube, provincial chairperson Dr Callistus Ndlovu, provincial women’s league chairperson Cde Eva Bitu, provincial youth chairperson Cde Khumbulani Mpofu with secretary being Cde Josphat Ndebele.
Dr Callistus Ndlovu will head the Documentation and Legal subcommittee, Cde Dube Finance, Cde Moyo Organising, Cde Mpofu Security and Accreditation, Cde Bitu Information, Cde Malinga Transport and Social Welfare, Cde Masuku Health, and Cde Esnath Moyo Entertainment.
Bongani Ndlovu
Online Reporter