Online Reporter
Samuel Kadungure-Mutare Bureau
CDE Dorothy Mabika was yesterday elected the substantive Zanu PF Manicaland Provincial Women’s League chairlady, defeating her closest rival, Cde Mercy Sacco, by seven votes.
The party utilised the old list of executive members, prior to the addition of two new portfolios, with 39 provincial executive members forming the electoral college.
Cde Mabika secured 23 votes, while Cde Sacco, who had been serving as acting chairperson, garnered 16 votes.
She fills the vacancy left by Mrs Happiness Nyakuedzwa, who was removed from office last year.
The election, held in Mutare yesterday, was presided over by Zanu PF national political commissar, Cde Munyaradzi Machacha.
Cde Machacha said the election proceeded peacefully and the result awaits endorsement by the Politburo.
“We were instructed to reconvene and re-run the co-option process for the chairwoman of the Zanu PF Manicaland Provincial Women’s League, and we have just completed that task, with Cde Dorothy Mabika emerging as the winner.
“Our results will, of course, be presented to the Politburo, and the final endorsement of those results will be made by the Politburo.
“However, thus far, everything has proceeded smoothly, without any hitches. We hope that, from now on, Manicaland will be united, and the women’s league will be united, focusing on organising and building our party in the province.
“The figures were 23 votes for Cde Mabika and 16 votes for Cde Sacco, and both ladies have demonstrated that they have a considerable following within the executive and deserve respect.
“Both ladies should now work together, unite as chairwoman and vice-chair, to ensure that they unite the entire Women’s League.
“They should also concentrate on programmes that empower women in Manicaland,” said Cde Machacha.
Cde Mabika, a seasoned cadre, who has previously served as the Zanu PF Manicaland deputy chairperson, expressed her gratitude and humility upon being elected as the provincial women’s league boss.
As she assumes her new role, Cde Mabika seeks to enhance the welfare of women in Manicaland through various empowerment projects, demonstrating her dedication to creating positive change and improving the lives of her constituency.
“Firstly, I would like to thank God, because this result is a testament to His grace. This is not the first time I have won this election, it has been repeated several times, and I have emerged victorious each time. God has not forsaken me.
“Secondly, I wish to thank the Women’s League members, who were determined and resilient in the face of challenges. I appreciate the confidence they have placed in me. I was humbled by the election and the trust bestowed upon me, especially when I least expected it. I urge women in Manicaland to unite towards a common goal of strengthening Zanu PF’s presence in the province. Let us focus on economic development, peaceful coexistence, and women’s empowerment.
“I will work with everyone. Whenever there is an election, one will win, and the other will lose, but we are all Zanu PF members.
“So, we will work together as one Zanu PF family to achieve Vision 2030 goals and aspirations,” said Cde Mabika.
Cde Mabika takes over from Mrs Nyakuedzwa who was last year suspended by the Zanu PF Politburo from holding any position in the ruling party for two years.
Mrs Nyakuedzwa’s suspension was in line with Article 36, Section 531, subsection (4) of the party’s amended constitution.
“This letter serves to advise you that the Politburo sitting at its 372nd Ordinary Session on February 29, 2024, upheld the verdict of the National Disciplinary Committee and varied the sentence from three years to two years.
“Therefore, you have been suspended from holding any leadership position in the party for a period of two years with immediate effect. Suspension is in accordance with the Amended Zanu PF party constitution, Article 36, Section 531, subsection (4),” it reads.
