People speak on new VPs

Post Reporters
NEWLY appointed Vice Presidents Cdes Emmerson Mnangagwa and Phelekezela Mphoko this week received a thumps-up from people in Mutare, although most of them say they hardly know Cde Mphoko.

Cde Mnangagwa is the First Vice President and replaces Dr Joice Mujuru, who has been Vice President since 2004 but fell by the wayside following startling revelations linking her to corruption, extortion and plots to eliminate President Mugabe.

Former Ambassador to South Africa and a distinguished ex-ZIPRA cadre, Cde Mphoko, is the second Vice President and fills the vacant post left following the death of Vice President John Nkomo. The slot is reserved for ZAPU under the 1987 Unity Accord.

Those interviewed by The Manica Post welcomed the two Vice Presidents and expressed optimism that the two would exert their energy towards bringing positive socio-economic development to the nation.

A Chikanga resident who declined to be named described the appointments by President Mugabe as strategic, adding that it was important for the President to have loyal cadres close to him, adding that any President worth his salt would do that.

“The move by President Mugabe is strategic and goes to show how determined he is to safeguard this country’s sovereignty. He chose people who are patient and loyal to him.

“It is our hope that the two have learnt a lesson from Dr Mujuru’s faults and weaknesses.

“We hope that the two will use their strength to help President Mugabe address bread and butter issues affecting the country,” he said.

While welcoming the appointment of the two, Terrance Chipukutu was of the view that there was need for women’s representation in the top echelons of Zanu-PF and the Government.

“We appreciate the appointment of the two Vice Presidents, but we need not forget that gender balance remains significant. We would have wanted to have a woman to take one of the Vice President’s slots.

“Those of us in Manicaland would have preferred our own Cde Oppah Muchinguri to be elevated to that post,” he said.

Diana Sithole of Morningside shared similar views and said the latest developments had left the feminine population in confusion and tatters.

“Since they are preaching the gender equality gospel as the Government saying we are all equal and yet they have chosen males only as Vice Presidents.

“Does it mean that we are no longer important as females?

“All the same, Cde Mnangagwa is a great candidate, I heard that there has been a threat on his life just yesterday, that is one good reason why he qualifies to be a VP. The threat on his life shows that they fear he will rule the country,’’ she said.

A resident of Dangamvura who also declined to be named said: “It is good that we now have the two Vice Presidents but some of us do not know Vice President Mphoko.

“Nevertheless, we have confidence in the President’s choice.

“We hope the appointment will keep the party intact, fostering unity between the Shona and Ndebele people as per the precepts of the Unity Accord which was signed in 1987 between President Mugabe and the late Cde Vice President Dr Joshua Nkomo.”

Takunda Bonyongwa from Dangamvura said the appointment of Cde Mhpoko was a good move because it seemed he was not aligned to any faction.

“I believe President Mugabe saw good leadership qualities in him. It was also a good move, taking into consideration that he is Ndebele,’’ he said.

A Mutare shop owner who declined to be named also said: “We might not know (Cde) Mphoko but the fact that we do not know him is encouraging to the people of Zimbabwe, who are hoping to see transformation that comes with a new face.”

A civil servant who refused to be named said it did not matter who was in power but what people wanted was a change that would better their lives.

“Cde Mnangagwa or Cde Mphoko or anyone else, the position still remains a political appointment. What we want is not the name but the vision and ability to deliver that the name carries. Their economic visions as the Vice Presidents is what we want to know. And for the world and economic development it does not matter whether the leader is male or female but bread and butter is what is needed from a leader at any level,” he said.

Irvine Matseka from Chikanga said the President needed a trusted and vibrant team to work with, and appointing Cdes Mnangagwa and Mphoko was the right thing to do.

“Cde Mnangagwa is a learned strategist and in my view, giving him a chance as Vice president would not be a bad idea,” he said. A woman who only identified herself as Mrs Mambwere expressed hope for a better change in the economy, saying the new Vice Presidents may have new ideas that will take our country’s economy to another level.

“We cannot run away from the fact that as a country we have a President endowed with wisdom. I am confident that something good will come out of this new development.

“May I live to see the day when our country will regain its noble economic status, this time as a result of black empowerment, without the whites taking any credit,” she said.