Harare Bureau
Zanu-PF has elected Gutu East representative Cde Berta Chikwama as the new deputy Chief Whip in Parliament to replace Cde Mandi Chimene who was appointed Minister of State for Manicaland Province last December.Cde Chikwama, who is also the chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare, was elected at a caucus of the party’s legislators on Wednesday.
Zanu-PF Chief Whip Cde Jorum Gumbo confirmed the development yesterday.
“Since the post had been occupied by a woman, we asked the female parliamentarians to nominate a replacement and they were unanimous in electing Cde Chikwama to be the new Deputy Chief Whip,” he said.
Cde Chikwama was elected into parliament in the 2013 harmonised elections.
Yesterday, she expressed gratitude to her colleagues for electing her.
“I want to thank my colleagues in the party for this recognition and trust they have shown in me. I promise that I will use the position to ensure that we have a vibrant parliament especially that women participate in the various parliamentary activities for the benefit of the constituencies we represent and the country as a whole,” she said.


