Provinces endorse President Mugabe

Zanu-PF provinces yesterday endorsed President Mugabe as the ruling party’s candidate in the 2018 Presidential elections. Mashonaland Central further resolved that Zanu-PF’s two Vice-Presidents be elected instead of being appointed by the First Secretary and President. Provinces also resolved that Government take punitive action against officials who abuse public funds.

Cdes Dickson Mafios (Mashonaland Central), Amasa Nenjana (Masvingo) and Ephraim Chengeta (Mashonaland West) said their provincial inter-district conferences endorsed President Mugabe.

Zanu-PF Harare provincial spokesperson Cde Abisha Ushewokunze said, “The conference resolved that the President’s wisdom and vast experience made him the appropriate candidate.”

He said the conference also resolved that action must be taken against corruption.
Cde Mafios said Mashonaland Central felt it was important that party VPs be elected by the membership, and that one of them must be a woman.
“We have resolved that subject for adoption in Masvingo (Zanu-PF Annual National People’s Conference venue), our Vice-Presidents must be elected rather than being appointed, and one of those Vice-Presidents must be a woman.”

In Gwanda, Zanu-PF Matabeleland South Province said: “ … we are firmly behind the President and First Secretary of the party, Cde RG Mugabe, as the sole candidate for the 2018 elections.”

The province also resolved that suspensions on 11 party members be lifted, with notable beneficiaries being former Sports and Culture Minister Cde Andrew Langa, Insiza South MP Cde Malaki Nkomo, Bulilima East MP Cde Lungisani Nleya, Senator Alma Mkhwebu, former provincial Women’s League chair Cde Alice Dube, and former provincial secretary for health Cde Morris Mhambi.

Cdes Jabulani Petshu Sibanda and Tafirenyika Seremani were expelled for reportedly joining the opposition ZimPF party.
Appropriate communication on the disciplinary issues will be forwarded to the National Disciplinary Committee.

Former provincial chairperson and Matobo legislator Cde Ananias Christopher Nyathi was co-opted into the Central Committee to fill the vacancy left by Dr Khotsho Dube’s death.

Politburo member Cde Abednico Ncube said, “Those who have been loyal to the party should be forgiven. We should work as a team. Come 2018, we will be working together for the good of the party. The issue of smearing each other destroys the party. Let’s not fight for positions. However, those who have bid us farewell leaving the party, we say to them go well. Goodbye Phetshu.”

Preparations for the December Conference are on course in Matabeleland South with seized with raising funds and provincial chair Cde Rabelani Choeni said they would meet next week to take stock.

In Midlands, National Secretary for Education Cde Jorum Gumbo said the Politburo resolved that suspended former provincial chairpersons would know their fate before the National Conference.

Cde Gumbo — the acting Midlands provincial chair — said the cases of Cdes Kizito Chivamba (Midlands), Joel Biggie Matiza (Mashonaland East) and Ezra Chadzamira (Masvingo) would be reviewed.

The three were suspended for allegedly failing to rein in unruly elements in their provinces.
Cde Gumbo said: “We should remain resolute even in hard times. I will give you an example of Vice-President (Emmerson) Mnangagwa who remained loyal, calm and composed regardless of relentless, continuous vilification in newspapers.

“If it were you would you still be standing today? This is what we should emulate. We also need to respect each other. Our positions do not matter.
‘‘If you are a Politburo member, that does not mean that you are special; it’s just a position given to you that could be given to anyone. We are oxen pulling the same cart or plough.”

The Zanu-PF Midlands Youth League resolved that the party should ensure corrupt senior officials face the law.
Provincial youth secretary for administration Cde Justice Wadyajena said Zanu-PF should reprimand members who denigrated President Mugabe’s appointees, particularly VPs Mnangagwa and Phelekezela Mphoko.

The provincial Women’s League also resolved that the party push for lengthy custodial sentences for rapists and anyone who married or married off children. — Sunday Mail Reporter/Bulawayo Bureau