Mpofu dismisses VP ambitions

In an interview with journalists soon after delivering a public lecture at the Midlands State University in Gweru, Dr Mpofu said he read about his ambitions in the Press and was equally mystified by the stories.

“I am surprised by these reports. No one has ever spoken to me or sought my comment on the issue but I always read about my ambitions to be VP in the Press,” he said.
“My only ambition for now is for the party to win in the forthcoming elections.  I am also working on winning the parliamentary seat for my area (Umguza). There could be some among us who have ambitions to be vice-presidents but as for me, I am chasing victory for the party.”

Dr Mpofu could, however, neither deny nor confirm whether he harboured ambitions to be the country’s Vice-President in future. He chose, instead to talk about Zanu-PF winning the forthcoming elections scheduled for June.

“My focus is to work hard and win the elections for the Umguza seat and also for my party, Zanu-PF.
“Ambitions can only come after elections.
“How can one have such political ambitions without first winning the elections as a party? I will remain focused on the bigger picture for now, Zanu-PF winning the elections,” said Dr Mpofu.

Media reports have said there is bad blood between Zanu-PF national chairman, Ambassador Simon Khaya Moyo and Dr Mpofu over the vacant post of VP.
The reports said the two were fighting for the Vice-President’s post, which became vacant following the death of Cde John Landa Nkomo in January.

Dr Mpofu refused to comment on whether positions such as that of Vice-President were ever up for grabs within the revolutionary party given that it had structures that promoted a succession policy based on seniority.
“I am not the party spokesperson. The party spokesperson (Cde Rugare Gumbo) is the best person to answer that question,” he said.

The Zanu-PF top hierarchy, the Presidium, is made up of President Mugabe, Vice-President Joice Mujuru and national chairman, Cde Khaya Moyo.
The fourth member of the Presidium is the other Vice President but the position has been vacant following Cde Nkomo’s death. After the top four, the next most powerful person is the secretary for administration, a position held by Cde Didymus Mutasa.