adminCletus Mushanawani News Editor
MANICALAND should not be used as a bridge to promote leaders from other provinces to ascend to higher positions in Zanu-PF, says the party’s provincial chairman, Ambassador Dr John Shumba Mvundura.
The tough-talking chairman made the remarks at the Zanu-PF youth elections held on Sunday to choose two leaders to take up head of portfolios positions in the national youth executive from the four candidates chosen in Manicaland’s eight districts.
“Manicaland should do its own things, but under the dictates of the party’s rules and regulations. We should not be used as a bridge by some people aspiring higher political offices to achieve their aims and objectives. We cannot afford to promote other provinces at our own expense. Some people can come to us using chefs’ names for selfish gains and we want to warn them that we have awakened now and know their tricks.
“We are tired of hearing people saying they are pursuing assignments from chefs from other provinces, yet they are dividing people here. We should wake up to the reality that such actions are more like someone smearing porridge on your lips and walks away boasting that he or she has fed you. I want to tell anyone harbouring such thoughts that Manicaland will never be divided. Let bygones be bygones. We want the party to move forward and not to dwell on petty differences which will not take us anywhere. Manicaland is usually used as a test case to judge the political mood in the country and we are saying no to this. Those who wish Manicaland to continue being a political hot-bed will be left with an egg on their face when they see us moving forward as a united lot,” said Ambassador Mvundura.
He called upon leaders to be servants of the people.
“Being leaders does not mean we are super human beings. We were elected to deliver and we should simply do that. No-one can say I am a superstar because you are in that position to learn from others.
“Discipline should be our guiding principle in everything that we do. We should be remembered for our good conduct and not bad things. Youths should shun all leaders who lead them astray from the founding principles of the party,” he said.
Last weekend’s youth elections, saw Manicaland throwing its full weight behind Makoni West legislator, Cde Kudzai Chipanga
to take over the national deputy youth secretary position.
Cde Chipanga together with Cdes Betty Kudzai Dhliwayo, Lovemore Chibvura and Admire Mahachi were yesterday elected to take up the four Central Committee seats reserved for youths in Manicaland.
The Makoni West legislator emerged as the most popular candidate in the elections to choose two leaders to take up head of portfolios in the national youth executive.
In the elections that were held at Mutare Hall, Cde Chipanga polled 241 votes, while Cde Dhliwayo scooped the other slot after amassing 180 votes.
Cdes Chibvura and Mahachi had 76 and 63 votes respectively. The incident free elections were presided over by Retired Lieutenant-General Mike Nyambuya and Cde Judith Mawire.
Ambassador Mvundura said all other party wings should take a leaf from the youths who managed to conduct their elections in the most disciplined way.
“Youths, you have shown everyone that indeed you are the vanguard of the party. Your high levels of discipline should be commended. I received reports from all the eight districts and everyone gave your elections a clean bill.
“All those elected into office should not sit on their laurels, but work for the party. Those who elected you into office look forward to you to deliver and work for the good of the party,” he said.
Ambassador Mvundura urged members to be wary of some people using their financial and material muscle to buy votes.
“In the past we used to know youths as the watchdogs, but of late you are proving to be compromised by wining and dining with those using resources to buy positions in the party. Please name and shame all those approaching you with goodies and other resources to buy your votes.
“As leaders, we should aim at leaving behind a good legacy where everyone will speak highly of your positive contributions to the party.
“History should not judge you as one person who contributed to the demise of the party through your selfishness.
“Rumour mongering and back-stabbing have no room in Zanu-PF because some people thrive on that to create chaos and confusion in our revolutionary party,” said Ambassador Mvundura.
Zanu-PF Manicaland provincial youth chairman, Cde Kelvin Manyengavana, hailed the youths for their discipline during the elective process.
“Our wish as Manicaland is to have Cde Chipanga as the deputy national youth secretary.
“Yes, we have had our elections and you voted for the candidates of your choice, but I want to urge you to be united and vote for our candidate, Cde Chipanga, for deputy national youth secretary. We should be united and speak with one voice,” he said.
Online Reporter