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The Interview with Lovemore Ranga Mataire
FIREBRAND politician and zanu-pf Women’s League Secretary for Security Cde Shuvai Mahofa (SM) has called on the ruling party to censure the Commissariat led by Cde Webster Shamu which she accused of being partly responsible for the problems besetting Masvingo Province. In an interview with our Senior Features Writer Lovemore Mataire (LM), Cde Mahofa speaks on various issues affecting the party and the entrance of First Lady Dr Grace Mugabe into mainstream politics.
LM: What is the state of the party in Masvingo Province in light of the vote of no confidence passed on provincial chairman Cde Kalisto Gwanetsa?
SM: The party is in good shape despite the problems associated with Cde Gwanetsa’s refusal to relinquish the leadership. I can safely say that 90 percent of zanu-pf supporters are resolutely behind President Mugabe and are geared up for the coming congress.
LM: But Cde Mahofa you cannot claim that the party is in good shape when factionalism is rampant in your province threatening the smooth functioning of Zanu PF?
SM: Well, it is true that there is factionalism but you may be interested to know that this province worked as a team during the 2013 elections and we fared very well. I worked with Cde Mavhaire very well during the elections. Problems started soon after the elections especially those of provincial leadership. The election of chairpersons of the province, women’s league and youth were in my view rigged.
People on the ground complained after the elections. They said there were supposed to be 380 eligible voters for youth, women’s league and the main wing. These people were supposed to meet and choose office bearers but this did not open. After the voting we called Cde Webster Shamu highlighting to him the irregularities and he promised to come and deal with the problem but to this day we are still waiting for him to come.
LM: You were tasked by the First Lady to be the point person in the distribution of donations to the people. What in your view informed that decision?
SM: The First Lady did not choose me; the people are the ones who chose me. Initially, the First Lady wanted the Minister for Provincial Affairs Cde Kudakwashe Bhasikiti to lead the process but the people raised concerns. When she proposed Cde Mavhaire, again the people had reservations. It was at that time that the people started calling my name. That is what exactly happened and people were given the donations as they left the venue of the rally on that day.
LM: So in other words you are saying there are certain senior leaders of the party in the province that have lost credibility to lead among the general grassroots supporters?
SM: Yes, they have lost credibility because of their factional tendencies. It is at the top provincial level where personality clashes seem to define the order of the day. The provincial leadership is responsible for tampering with structures in Gutu South, Bikita and Chiredzi West where they removed people elected by the people and imposed their own stooges. These structures must be dismantled before we go to congress because they do not reflect the will of the people.
LM: As a senior zanu-pf Women’s League member, briefly give us your account on why it was important for the league to recommend the First Lady Dr Grace Mugabe to the position of Secretary for Women’s League?
SM: I feel that we were a bit late in recommending her appointment. We should have done it earlier and some of the perennial problems affecting women would have been solved by now. The major problem we faced as a league is that we lacked sufficient resources to embark on certain projects that would benefit women in the country. We realised that things seemed to move smoother and swiftly when the late First Lady Amai Sally Mugabe was the secretary of the Women’s League. So this is the reason we decided to recommend Dr Mugabe because we know she has the capacity to harness resources for the empowerment of women. She has proven beyond doubt her abilities in the manner in which she has managed to build a world class orphanage and school. We know she is the best person that can empower women and move the league as a cohesive and united entity now and in the future.
LM: What is the province going to do regarding the issue of Cde Gwanetsa who has continued to chair provincial meetings despite a vote of no confidence being passed against him?
SM: The problem is that Cde Gwanetsa has backing from some top leadership but I feel that within the party we have relevant instruments to deal with cases of indiscipline and the national disciplinary committee must wrestle with this issue urgently. The law must take its course.
LM: What are your views on expelled war veterans’ leader Cde Jabulani Sibanda?
SM: I am totally surprised with what Jabulani is saying. Not long ago, it was him who moved across the whole of Masvingo mobilising the grassroots to vote for President Mugabe and now I don’t understand why he seems to be undermining the First Lady and President Mugabe. He is surely behaving like a mad person who needs to be examined.
LM:Lastly, a lot of people are expecting unprecedented changes at the December zanu-pf National Congress. What is your assessment of what is likely to happen?
SM: Personally, I don’t see major changes taking place because we have already endorsed President Mugabe as our First Secretary and President and also our candidate for 2018. We have also recommended Amai for the position of Secretary for Women’s League. Those who were playing games with the people will face the wrath of the same people. Wait and see.
Online Reporter