adminNduduzo Tshuma Senior Political Reporter
ZANU-PF Matabeleland provinces yesterday hailed President Robert Mugabe’s appointment of Cdes Emmerson Mnangagwa and Phelekezela Mphoko as his deputies saying the move would not only strengthen the party but also end factionalism.
President Mugabe announced the two Vice-Presidents at an extraordinary session of the Central Committee in Harare on Wednesday as he also appointed members of the Politburo. The two Vice Presidents were sworn in at State House in Harare yesterday.
Zanu-PF Matabeleland North provincial chairperson, Cde Richard Moyo said the party would be more united after the appointment of the two to the jobs.
“We’re very happy as Matabeleland North with the appointments the President made. It has strengthened the party and as we go to the 2018 elections, we’re assured of a bigger victory,” he said.
“The party is more united now after the President put a stop to factionalism. Those who still want to practise it have seen what happens to factional leaders and we’re sure they’ve learnt their lesson. We’re also happy with the President’s appointment of five Politburo members from the province.”
Acting Zanu-PF Bulawayo provincial chairperson, Cde Christopher Dube said President Mugabe had in Cdes Mnangagwa and Mphoko appointed two seasoned politicians to assist him in taking the country forward.
“We’re satisfied with the President’s appointment of the two VPs and also the composition of the Politburo. He has appointed seasoned leaders that will contribute in the country going forward. Everything the President has done is for the good of the party and country as a whole,” said Cde Dube.
Bulawayo provincial secretary for indigenisation and empowerment, Cde Mlungisi Moyo weighed in saying the President had appointed leaders of integrity and hard workers.
“The President made his appointment confident that the two leaders will carry the aspirations of the people. What has happened has shown that the party has come out stronger after the 6th National People’s Congress and more united. We’re happy with the direction that the party is taking,” he said.
Acting Matabeleland South provincial chairperson, Cde Rapelang Choene echoed his colleagues’ sentiments saying, “What the President did is good. All that he did is what the people expected. The President has the country’s best interest at heart and his appointments will help the country move forward.”
Cde Mphoko was born on June 11, 1940 at Gwizane in Bubi District of Matabeleland North while Cde Mnangagwa was born on September 15, 1946.
He will also be the Minister of National Healing, Peace and Reconciliation.
Cde Mnangagwa is a lawyer by training who is well acquainted with security issues having served as both Defence and State Security Minister. He will also remain in charge of the Ministry of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs.
Cde Mphoko is a founding Zipra Commander and a diplomat having served as ambassador to South Africa, Russia and Botswana.
Bongani Ndlovu
Online Reporter