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Pamela Shumba Senior Reporter
VICE President Cde Phelekezela Mphoko yesterday implored Zanu-PF members in Nkulumane constituency in Bulawayo to make the party’s leadership proud by voting for their representative Cde Killian Sibanda in a by-election to be held next month. VP Mphoko was addressing hundreds of Zanu-PF supporters while launching the by-election campaign at Mandwandwe Secondary School in Nkulumane.
Cde Sibanda, who is also a Zanu-PF Central Committee member, will be contesting for the National Assembly seat after winning the party’s primary poll early this month.
“We’re having by-elections on December 19 here in Nkulumane and I want everybody to vote for Zanu-PF. We all know that for 15 years we never won a single seat in Bulawayo but in June we declared that it was the beginning of our victory and we shall never look back. Let’s make our leadership proud.
“We won five parliamentary seats and I’m confident that we’ll win the sixth one next month. It’s important for us to continue working together as a team and supporting our candidate before and after the election,” said VP Mphoko. He also urged Cde Sibanda to unite with the people in his constituency including the losing primary election candidate Alderman David Ndlovu and spearhead development in the constituency.
VP Mphoko reiterated that it was vital for party members to respect their leaders and shun factionalism, adding that no one had the power to grab the country from its owners.
“Some people don’t have respect for their leaders and think they’re clever. It’s unfortunate because they’re fooling themselves. Every leader is chosen by the people through God and it’s bad to undermine your leadership.
“There are also some people who’re in the habit of dividing party members to settle their own selfish agendas. “Let’s stop leaning against factions. I don’t expect anyone to lean on me because when I fall they’ll fall. I expect each and every one of us to be responsible, loyal and hard working Zanu-PF members,” said VP Mphoko.
He said the First Lady Cde Grace Mugabe would soon visit Bulawayo and urged residents to come in their numbers to welcome her. Minister of State for Bulawayo provincial affairs Cde Nomthandazo Eunice Moyo commended the Zanu-PF supporters, including war veterans for their commitment in moving the party forward.
“I’m happy to see hundreds of people gathered here. This is a clear sign that we all know our duties and we’re a dedicated group of people. “I want to believe that Cde Sibanda has already won the election. “We should all work hard and encourage our friends, families and church mates to vote for Zanu-PF, the people-oriented party,” said Cde Moyo.
She added that leaders like VP Mphoko will not lead the country astray, encouraging party members to respect him. “Leaders such as our Vice Presidents Mphoko and Emmerson Mnangagwa know where we came from and where we’re going as a country. They’ll never mislead us. President Mugabe appointed them because he trusts them. Let’s not make them fight,” said Cde Moyo.
She also expressed excitement on the First Lady’s forthcoming visit and encouraged party members to exhibit the party’s unity by welcoming her.
Online Reporter