Harare defies Politburo orders

Felex Share Senior Reporter
Zanu-PF Harare Province has suspended four members in defiance of a Politburo directive that such decisions should be taken after exhaustion of laid down party disciplinary procedures. The four are Cdes Justice Zvandasara (Central Committee member), George Mashavave (secretary for administration), Dumisani Chipango (treasurer) and Moffat Siwizani (secretary for economic affairs).

The suspensions were made during a provincial executive council (PEC) meeting held over the weekend.

It emerged yesterday that some of the party members who passed the votes of no confidence were not members of the PEC.

A PEC is constituted by 50 party cadres, 40 members from the main wing and five each from the Youth League and Women’s League.

The quartet hit back yesterday saying the suspensions were unlawful as no hearings were done and there was no confirmation from the National Disciplinary Committee (NDC).

Zanu-PF Harare provincial secretary for information and publicity Cde Abisha Ushewokunze declined to comment on the issue.

“We had PCC and provincial executive council meetings, any other issues will await official communication,” he said.

Harare acting chairperson Cde Charles Tavengwa’s mobile phone went unanswered.

The Zanu-PF Politburo recently said all suspensions should follow the party’s disciplinary procedure.

The Politburo made the declaration as it reversed the suspension of Cde Tavengwa recently.

Harare province had suspended Cde Tavengwa for alleged incompetence.

The Politburo said due process was not followed on the matter.

President Mugabe, who is the Zanu-PF First Secretary and President, has also emphasised the need to follow laid down procedures before passing a vote of no confidence on party cadres.

Sources yesterday said those siding with Cde Tavengwa had come up with the decision to suspend the four.

“They said they were on a revenge mission,” said one source.

“Things have not been well in the province for some time. There are serious divisions. Cde Tavengwa was suspended and the Politburo reversed the move and now the other camp thinks it is now time to gain ground. We now want to see the decision the Politburo will take. There is no difference between Cde Tavengwa’s case and the latest issue.”

Cde Chipango said he did not attend the meeting.

“I have not received any communication,” he said.

“I do not even know what the allegations are. It is surprising they talk of suspensions without carrying out any hearings or issuing our prohibition orders.”

Cde Siwizani said a PEC could not pass a vote of no confidence on him.

“That was done without following due procedure,” he said.

“That was not done in the spirit of unity at a time we are faced with elections. In any case, some of the people present are not even members of the PEC and the issue was first raised by a comrade who is not even part of the council. It was clear the camp wanted to replace the secretary for administration with Cde Mangwende who comes from Zone Four. To us the suspensions are a nullity.”

He added: “The meeting diverted on the agenda. We had various issues to discuss such as the commissariat, administration, Youth League and Women’s League reports and biometric voter registration, among other issue, but divisions were evident.”

Mashavave weighed in: “There are no letters in sight, but that is what they are saying. Even if the letters come they will be valid after confirmation from the NDC.”

Cde Zvandasara said he was unaware of the suspension as he was out of town.