adminHerald Reporter
Zanu-PF Mashonaland East chair Cde Joel Biggie Matiza has called on party supporters to unite and vote for President Mnangagwa in the coming elections. Cde Matiza was speaking at an explosive inter-district meeting that was held at Zaire Shopping Centre in Wedza on Saturday.
At the meeting, Cde Matiza urged the seating MP for Wedza South Cde Michael Madanha and provincial youth executive member Cde Tinodaishe Machakaire to resolve their differences following reports of clashes among supporters, as the two leaders are set to contest for party ticket to represent the constituency in this year’s harmonised elections.
Cde Madanha was accused of sponsoring youths to threaten party members as well as neglecting the constituency.
Cde Matiza said there was need for the two to work together for the development of the party.
“The issue of candidacy is at the centre of the problem here in Wedza South and that is why we are here. Cde Madanha and Tinmac (Machakaire), there has been a lot of talking on social media and newspapers, which has been dragging the party’s name into the mud,” he said.
He said reports from different social media platforms and some sections of the media suggest that there were clashes in Wedza. “We got it from the papers and social media platforms that there is violence in Wedza and, as the leadership, we were shocked about the developments, were names of the big people were being involved and abused,” he said.
He said the two should work together to unite the party.
“As we want Wedza to remain politically strong, we sat down with those involved and heard their side of the stories and as we concluded that the problem is emanating from the issue of candidacy, Machakaire showed maturity and said he has no issues with Madanha and pledged to support him as we settled the matter,” Cde Matiza said.
Cde Madanha, who was constantly booed by party supporters, said he wanted to work with Cde Machakaire.
“I have no problem with him and we want to work together for the development of the constituency,” he said.
Cde Machakaire said he was a loyal cadre of the party and will always follow what the leadership says.
“We are going to remove all the criminal elements around our MP (Madanha) who are peddling falsehoods. We want to work with the sitting MP. From here, we now know that we are going out there as one people,” Cde Machakaire said.
Cde Machakaire, who donated an ambulance and a UD truck at the meeting, said he belongs to Wedza and will work to develop the constituency.
“I was born in Wedza, I will die in this area and I am going to do developmental projects here. No one will stop me from that, but as I said I will work with the MP. If I am wrong I am willing to take advice from him (MP),” he said.
Online Reporter