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Joseph Madzimure, Zimpapers Politics Hub
Outgoing Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans Association chairman Cde Christopher Mutsvangwa has conceded defeat and congratulated the incoming chairman Cde Cephas Ncube and his new executive.
Cde Ncube defeated three fellow aspirants at the elective congress held on Saturday in Gweru at the Zanu PF Convention Centre.
The other candidates were outgoing ZNLWVA secretary-general Ambassador Victor Matemadanda and Cde Albert Ncube. Cde Ncube garnered 294 votes, Cde Albert Ncube came second with 90 votes, Ambassador Matemadanda came third with 75 votes while Cde Mutsvangwa had 11 votes.
Cde Mutsvangwa had been the association’s chairman from 2013 and will now play an advisory role.
Ambassador Matemadanda will be appointed to a senior position in the executive to bring in stability in the board. The newly elected secretary-general of the association Cde Samuel Parirenyatwa confirmed that some of the participants in the elections will get new posts.
“With the vast experience which Ambassador Mutsvangwa has in leading the association, he will now be the advisor,” said Cde Parirenyatwa.
“We want his vast knowledge to guide the association. He is our comrade. We will be together in driving the association for the next five years. We want to thank him for his immense contribution to the growth of the association. We are now recognised in the Zanu PF structures.”
Their immediate task, he added, is to ensure the welfare of war veterans is taken care of.
“We want to push for the establishment of health centres earmarked for war veterans. We want to ensure fees for our children are paid on time at various learning institutions.
“We want the 20 percent land allocation to be implemented across the board,” said Cde Parirenyatwa.
In an interview, Cde Mutsvangwa said the association is in safe hands under the leadership of Cde Ncube.
“We are very happy, the association will be led by new blood. I have a good relationship with the new executive.
“I congratulated them and I am confident they will spearhead the association to greater heights,” he said.
On his part, Ambassador Matemadanda said: “Yes I contested for the chairmanship position, but it was a race won by a better candidate. Cde Ncube has what it takes to lead the association, we will fully support him as comrades.
“We love one another.”
Cde Parirenyatwa said they are now conducting elections for the remaining 30 positions.
“Our executive consists of 40 members. The top positions are now occupied. We are choosing candidates to fill the remaining positions from provinces. On deputy secretaries, it is by consensus. We will consider the skill and qualifications of an individual,” he said.
Meanwhile, Cde Ncube will be deputised by Cde Nyamangodo, while Cde Section Ncube is the new Secretary for Finance, Cde Joel Mureremba retained his position as the Political Commissar, Cde Saniki Mguni is the Secretary for Security, Cde Nyembezi Togara is the Secretary for Women’s Affairs, Cde Cornelius Muoni is Secretary for Information and Publicity, Cde Thomas Chinyama is the Secretary for Legal Affairs and Cde Tendeukai Chinoonekwa is the Secretary for Transport and Social Welfare.
Peter Tanyanyiwa
Online Reporter