adminNduduzo Tshuma Senior Political Reporter
WAR veterans in Bulawayo will today hold a crisis meeting over vacant Vice President’s post following intense jostling for the post by a number of individuals.
The meeting comes at a time when there is no consensus among former Zapu members on who was eligible to land it, with some saying seniority was paramount and others saying precedent where the Zanu-PF national chairperson has been elevated must be respected.
Some have openly backed Zanu PF national chairman Cde Simon Khaya Moyo considered a front runner in the race due to precedence and the fact that he is already in Zanu-PF’s presidium.
However, other Zanu PF cadres have said the people would decide on the candidate at the party’s December elective congress.
War veterans Bulawayo provincial chairperson Cde Japhet Phuthi yesterday said the ex-combatants would hold a press conference after their crisis meeting to announce their stance.
“We will hold an emergency executive meeting to discuss the VP post.
“We will then hold a press conference soon after the meeting to communicate our position on the matter,” said Cde Phutihi.
“As a revolutionary party, we have our traditions and principles and we cannot be swayed by other elements that want to change things.”
The jostling for the Vice-President’s post has gathered momentum ahead of the party’s congress in December.
Zanu-PF Politburo member and Home Affairs Minister Cde Kembo Mohadi last Tuesday said he was ready to take up the post if nominated by the people in December.
Cde Mohadi who is also Beitbridge East legislator said Zanu-PF was a democratic party and the people’s wishes would prevail at the party’s indaba.
Zanu-PF Matabeleland South provincial chairman Cde Andrew Langa recently defended Politburo member Cde Abedinico Ncube’s support for national chairman Cde Khaya Moyo to land the post saying he also shared the same sentiments.
Cde Ncube torched a storm when he said Matabeleland South was behind Cde Khaya Moyo’s candidature prompting accusations from some senior party members in the province who accused him of “jumping the gun”.
Fellow Politburo members Cde Naison Khutshwekhaya Ndlovu and Cde Richard Ndlovu said it was wrong to declare preferred candidates before the party had set the ball in motion.
Outgoing Zimbabwean Ambassador to South Africa Cde Phelekezela Mphoko and Retired Brigadier General Ambrose Mutinhiri have both said they are yet to decide whether or not to go for the post.
Several ex-Zipra cadres have expressed divergent views over the vacant VP’s post.
Last Wednesday, President Mugabe said some party officials were approaching him, pleading that he influences their appointment to certain positions.
Online Reporter