Mujuru sponsors Independent candidates

Columbus Mabika Herald Reporter
Independent candidates last week confirmed that expelled former Vice President Dr Joice Mujuru is sponsoring them ahead of Wednesday’s by-elections and called for her to stand against Zanu-PF in the 2018 polls.

Dr Mujuru, who was fired from Zanu-PF and Government for behaviour inconsistent with her duties, has been accused of sponsoring candidates disguised as independents under the banner of her People First project.

Announcing a coalition of 10 independent contestants of the June 10 polls, the candidates used the motto

People First which has always been linked to Dr Mujuru and her cabal.

They described Dr Mujuru as a “principled and tolerant leader” who should stand against Zanu-PF in the next general elections.

“We are encouraging Dr Mujuru to stand for election in 2018. We feel she is a principled and tolerant leader,” said the group spokesperson Mr Farai Kuveya, who will stand as an independent candidate in Harare East.

The candidates are already campaigning using banners emblazoned with the legend People First.

Expelled Zanu-PF secretary for Information and Publicity Mr Rugare Gumbo has since confirmed that their People First project was sponsoring several candidates in the by-elections.

Ousted Zanu-PF Mashonaland West provincial chairperson Mr Temba Mliswa, who is standing as an independent candidate in the by-elections in Hurungwe, has also been linked to the coalition.

Mr Mliswa is on record urging Dr Mujuru to come out of her shell and lead the cabal in forming a political party.

Said Mr Kuveya: “As independent candidates, we unanimously agreed that the country is in dire need of new, proactive, unifying and all embracing leadership and we call upon all democratic progressive forces to unite.

“We are candidates from different political backgrounds brought together into a coalition standing for People First.”

The other independent candidates who appeared at the Press conference were Endai Mugomeza (Kuwadzana), Tonderai Karimakwenda (Dzivaresekwa), Donald Chimatira (Glen View South), Pedzisai Nheta (Kambuzuma), Tafadzwa Dzumbunu (Highfield), Onismo Zhavairo (Mbizo), Albert Mhlanga (Pumula), Njabuliso Mguni (Lobengula) and Sibangilizwe Msipa (Makokoba).

The country will hold by-elections in 16 constituencies next Wednesday that fell vacant following the expulsion from Zanu-PF of Mr Mliswa and his uncle Mr Didymus Mutasa, while the other 14 vacancies arose after MDC-T withdrew its legislators from Parliament.