Online Reporter
Samuel Kadungure
News Editor
MEMBERS of the ZANU PF Women’s League have welcomed the election of Cde Dorothy Mabika as their substantive provincial chairlady, saying her elevation should champion the emancipation of downtrodden women through tangible empowerment initiatives, without favour or bias.
Cde Mabika rose to the position after defeating her closest rival, Cde Mercy Sacco, by seven votes.
Cde Mabika secured 23 votes, while Cde Sacco, who had been serving as acting chairperson, garnered 16 votes.
The election was presided over by ZANU PF national political commissar, Cde Munyaradzi Machacha.
The women said Cde Mabika’s election was a victory for the league and testament to the party’s commitment to empowering women, and expressed confidence that she would provide leadership that would uplift and transform the lives of women in the province.
“Cde Mabika is a tried and tested cadre who has consistently demonstrated her dedication to the empowerment of women. We have no doubt that she will champion initiatives that will improve the socio-economic status of women in our province,” said ZANU PF Central Committee member, Cde Getrude Mutandi.
Cde Enice Mudyiwa praised the peaceful and transparent manner in which the elections were conducted, saying it reflected the maturity and democratic nature of the party.
“We are proud of the way our election was conducted. It shows that our party is committed to democracy and the empowerment of women. We congratulate Cde Mabika on her election and pledge our support to her as she embarks on this new role,” she said.
The election of Cde Mabika is expected to bring a new wave of energy and dynamism to the women’s league in the province, as she embarks on her mandate to empower and uplift women.
Cde Machacha expressed optimism that the league will be united, focusing on organising and building the party in the province.
He said Cdes Mabika and Sacco command considerable respect and following within the executive, and deserve to be respected.
He urged them to now work together, unite as chairwoman and vice-chair, to ensure that they unite the entire Women’s League and concentrate on programmes that empower women in Manicaland.
“We were instructed to reconvene and re-run the co-option process for the chairwoman of the ZANU PF Manicaland Provincial Women’s League, and we have just completed that task, with Cde Dorothy Mabika emerging as the winner. We hope that, from now on, Manicaland will be united, and the Women’s League will be united, focusing on organising and building our party in the province.
“The results were 23 votes for Mabika and 16 votes for Sacco, and both ladies have demonstrated that they have a considerable following within the executive and deserve respect. Both ladies should now work together, unite as chairwoman and vice-chair, to ensure that they unite the entire Women’s League. They should also concentrate on programmes that empower women in Manicaland,” said Cde Machacha.
Cde Mabika, a seasoned cadre, who previously served as the ZANU PF Manicaland deputy chairperson, expressed her gratitude and humility upon being elected as the provincial Women’s League leader.
As she assumes her new role, Cde Mabika seeks to enhance the welfare of women in Manicaland through various empowerment projects, demonstrating her dedication to creating positive change and improving the lives of her constituency.
“First, I would like to thank God, because this result is a testament to His grace. This is not the first time I have won this election – it was repeated several times, and I emerged victorious each time. God has not forsaken me.
“Secondly, I wish to thank the Women’s League members, who were determined and resilient in the face of challenges. I appreciate the confidence they have placed in me. I was humbled by the election and the trust bestowed upon me, especially when I least expected it. I urge women in Manicaland to unite towards a common goal of strengthening ZANU PF’s presence in the province. Let us focus on economic development, peaceful coexistence, and women’s empowerment.
“I will work with everyone. Whenever there is an election, one will win, and the other will lose, but we are all ZANU PF members. So, we will work together as one ZANU PF family to achieve Vision 2030 goals and aspirations,” said Cde Mabika.
Cde Mabika takes over from Mrs Happiness Nyakuedzwa who was last year suspended by the ZANU PF Politburo from holding any position in the ruling party for two years.
Her suspension was in line with Article 36, Section 531, subsection (4) of the party’s amended constitution.
