Ncube wins war vets chairmanship

Freedom Mupanedemo, Midlands Bureau

BULAWAYO provincial war veterans’ chairperson, Cde Cephas Ncube was yesterday elected the new Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans Association (ZNLWVA) leader, defeating the incumbent, Cde Christopher Mutsvangwa, at an elective congress held in Gweru.

Cde Ncube romped to victory after garnering 294 votes, followed by Cde Albert Ncube of Matabeleland North who got 90 votes.

Zimbabwe Ambassador to Mozambique, Cde Victor Matemadanda came third with 75 votes while Cde Mutsvangwa, who is also Zanu-PF National spokesperson and former Cabinet Minister came a distant fourth, with 11 votes.
Cde Mutsvangwa has been chairman of the war veterans’ body since 2013 when he was elected at the last congress which was held in in Masvingo.

Others who were elected into the new executive were vice-chairperson, Cde Shorai Nyamangondo, Cde Joel Murerengwa (Secretary-General), Cde Thomas Manyima (Legal Affairs), Cde Vincent Chinone (Transport), Cde Section Ncube (Finance), Cde Sanik Nguni (Security), Cde Nyembesi Togara (Women Affairs) and Cde Samuel Parirenyatwa as Political Commissar.

The elective congress is in line with the association’s constitutional requirements. In his acceptance speech, Cde Ncube said he was elated to be entrusted to lead the association and promised to represent all the former freedom fighters.

“I am very happy with the trust that has been bestowed on me by my comrades and I promise to work very hard with everyone as we take our association forward. I will soon be engaging everyone so that we remain as vibrant as before as an association,” he said.

Cde Matemadanda accepted the outcome of the elections, saying they will work hand in hand with the new executive to steer the association ahead.

“I want to firstly thank all the comrades for the support they gave us for all these years when we were in the executive, we will continue to work together as an association, advocating for our welfare and everything else,” he said.