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George Maponga in Masvingo
Zanu-PF Masvingo Province has nominated Central Committee member Cde Clemence Makwarimba (62), to replace former Energy and Power Development Minister Mr Dzikamai Mavhaire who was recalled from his position as Masvingo Senator by the party.
This comes as 12 candidates have also submitted papers to represent the ruling party in Mwenezi East constituency that fell vacant following the expulsion of former legislator Mr Kudakwashe Bhasikiti.
Messrs Mavhaire and Bhasikiti are part of a putchist cabal led by expelled former Vice President Dr Joice Mujuru that wanted to topple President Mugabe ahead of the 6th Zanu-PF National People’s Congress in December last year.
Mr Mavhaire was elected Masvingo Senator under proportional representation on a Zanu-PF ticket after the 2013 harmonised elections. Zanu-PF Masvingo provincial chairman Cde Paradzai Chakona confirmed Cde Makwarimba’s nomination.
“We sat and agreed as Zanu-PF in Masvingo that Cde Makwarimba will take over the senatorial seat that was left vacant following the expulsion of Mr Mavhaire from Zanu-PF and his subsequent recalling from Senate,’’ he said.
“Once the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission has invited us to present the name of the candidate, we will forward Cde Makwarimba’s name after it was unanimously agreed that he is the suitable candidate for that position.’’
Reports say Zanu-PF national secretary for youth affairs Cde Pupurai Togarepi, also wanted the post. Cde Makwarimba, who served as Masvingo Rural District Council chief executive officer for 20 years, expressed gratitude to Zanu-PF for choosing him to be Masvingo Senator.
“I am very excited about the decision of my party to choose me to become the Senator for Masvingo. I want to thank the Zanu-PF national leadership led by President Mugabe for providing visionary leadership that continues to make the revolutionary party a party of choice in Zimbabwe,’’ he said.
Cde Makwarimba said his major task would be to work with Zanu-PF legislators in Masvingo district to complete major infrastructural projects such as the setting up of a $13 million mini-hydro power plant at Lake Mutirikwi and a cement plant in Charumbira communal lands.
Cde Chakona said the names of 12 candidates who submitted their papers to represent the ruling party in Mwenezi East would be whittled since some of them did not meet the party’s criteria.
“The provincial elections directorate will look at the list of people who have submitted their names to represent the party in Mwenezi East and those who do not meet the required criteria will be rejected,”’ he said.
“Names of successful candidates will be forwarded to the national party leadership for approval before primary elections are held.”’
Those who submitted their papers for Mwenezi East are Cdes Cleotas Muchara, Joseph Muchara, Joshua Moyo, Jabulani Mberesi and Mavelous Chifumuro.
Cde Joshua Sithole, businessman Cde Joosbi Omar together with Cdes Ngavaite Sitana, Webster Muzara, Samuel Mashora, Alec Murefu, Painos Hungwe and John Njodo also submitted their names.
Dates for the Mwenezi East parliamentary by-election are yet to be proclaimed.
Mr Bhasikiti has since taken President Mugabe and Zanu-PF to court contesting the decision to expel him from parliament.
Online Reporter