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the new provincial chairperson of “an expanded and strengthened” Bulawayo province. Cde Ndlovu will head a six-member provincial executive made up of seasoned party cadres and would be deputised by the former chairperson Cde Killian Sibanda.
Announcing the appointment after formally presenting Cde Ndlovu to enthusiastic party members at Davies Hall, Zanu-PF national chairman Cde Simon Khaya Moyo said the move was aimed at bolstering the party ahead of the forthcoming harmonised elections.
He read the riot act on elements who he said sought to polarise the party through factionalism and/or corruption, saying they would be dealt with decisively.
“After analysing the situation in Bulawayo, the Politburo found that the provincial leadership had to be expanded and strengthened to win resoundingly in this province.
“In an exhaustive search, the party considered professors from the National University of Science and Technology, doctors and professionals in various fields. We finally settled for this team as others, though fully willing to work for the party, would not have had the time to fully serve the party,” said Cde Khaya Moyo.
He said the new provincial leadership had a mandate to focus on elections and return Bulawayo to its former political glory by co-opting those with the capacity to lead the revolutionary party into its structures.
“We are aware that there have been unprocedural suspensions. The new leadership must revisit those. Corruption will not be tolerated. As the chairperson of the party’s disciplinary committee, I can assure you we are watching out for corruption and will deal swiftly and decisively with it.
“I am the newly appointed chairperson of the national election directorate and I want to emphasise that no imposition of candidates will be allowed. This is a party with a history and legacy that must be protected,” said Cde Khaya Moyo.
He said party members had a duty to uphold and protect the country’s hard-won independence.
“Our stance has not changed and it never will. As the nation celebrates Independence on Thursday, we want to make it clear that we will not betray our heroes who gained us freedom by selling the country back to its former colonial masters. Our freedom is not negotiable neither is it for sale,” said Cde Khaya Moyo.
Cde Ndlovu said that the province had become a well-oiled machine that worked harmoniously and efficiently towards the achievement of a common goal.
“I have agreed with Cde Sibanda that there is a need to bring everybody to work for the party in elections. We met prior to the announcement and there is no antagonism between us. We are only concerned about the false image projected in some Press reports, which discuss events and issues that we are not aware of,” said Cde Ndlovu.
He said the province was determined to see the party forging ahead and winning the elections for Zimbabweans and generations to come. Cde Sibanda said the province welcomed the move by the Politburo to revamp its leadership.
“We are positive it will yield results in the elections. The party always comes first and individuals last,” said Cde Sibanda.
Other members of the expanded executive are Alderman Dennis Ndlovu, a former Mayor of Bulawayo, the secretary for lands in the Zanu-PF National Women’s league, Cde Judith Ncube, Cde Lyton Majada, Alderman David Ndlovu and Cde Ismail Jassat.
Cde Majada was the Zanu-PF provincial secretary for information and publicity between 1983 and 1987 and was part of the taskforce that accompanied the late Edson Ncube to iron out issues that led to the unity pact between PF-Zapu and Zanu-PF.
Ald David Ndlovu is a former Deputy Mayor of Bulawayo. Cde Jassat, who worked for the Zimbabwe Republic Police for 18 years, is a businessman who has led the Muslim community for 14 years and has often donated generously to the party.
On 27 March, Cde Khaya Moyo led a delegation comprising the party’s Secretary for Administration, Cde Didymus Mutasa and National Commissar Cde Webster Shamu that discussed the challenges facing the party in Bulawayo relating to the forthcoming harmonised elections.
The appointments are a result of a marathon 10-hour meeting with party structures, held on the day, followed by extensive deliberations by the Politburo.
Online Reporter