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Nduduzo Tshuma in Masvingo
VICE President Phelekezela Mphoko yesterday said the succession theory being mooted by some ambitious Zanu-PF members works against the spirit and values of the 1987 Unity Accord signed by President Mugabe and the late Dr Joshua Nkomo.
Making welcome remarks at the 16th Zanu-PF National People’s Conference in Masvingo before introducing President Mugabe to present his keynote address, VP Mphoko said such a culture should be quickly done away with.
He said the behaviour by some elements within the ruling party was undermining the gains of the liberation struggle.
“Your Excellency, the unity (Unity Accord) of the people of Zimbabwe that you signed with the late Vice President Joshua Nkomo should keep on reminding us that on the death bed, Cde Nkomo emphasised the importance of the unity of the people of Zimbabwe under Zanu-PF,” said VP Mphoko.
“Your Excellency, that unity is now being threatened. The Zanu-PF constitution states very clearly that it was Zapu and Zanu, the two revolutionary parties that liberated this country. The constitution does not say only Zapu or only Zanu liberated Zimbabwe, but it was the two revolutionary parties together.
“Therefore, the succession theory that is being mooted undermines this unity that forms the foundation of Zanu-PF as a revolutionary party.”
VP Mphoko said instead, what was done by some elements in Zanu-PF was promoting individualism divorced from the purpose of unity.
“Your Excellency, under your command people died for the independence of this country. Therefore, this individualistic and opportunistic approach which is counter-revolutionary in nature should be resisted.”
VP Mphoko’s sentiments come against the background of indiscipline and fights along factional lines to succeed President Mugabe.
Later in his address, President Mugabe castigated factionalism, reiterating that leaders are elected by the people.
VP Mphoko reminded delegates that the gathering was not to discuss leadership positions but fruitful deliberations that would result in policies that would make Zanu-PF the party of choice ahead of the 2018 elections.
“I would like to emphasise to you (delegates) that this is an ordinary Zanu-PF National People’s Conference in accordance with our party, Zanu-PF, constitution. It is not an elective conference or congress. We are gathered here to review the party and Government performance during 2016,” said VP Mphoko.
“We are not gathered here to talk about positions or to elect new people to key party positions. That is the work of the Congress. We should aim the best results and outcomes of this conference in preparation for the 2018 general elections.”
Online Reporter