‘Zanu-PF is a disciplined party’

Cletus Mushanawani News Editor
ZANU-PF is not interested in the unnecessary squabbles rocking Manicaland Province and they should come to an end, says the party’s national spokesperson, Cde Simon Khaya-Moyo.

In a telephone interview on Wednesday following votes of no confidence and counter actions by members of the provincial women’s league in a space of two days, Cde Khaya-Moyo described the situation in Manicaland as untidy for a disciplined party like Zanu-PF.

“What we are hearing coming from there sounds untidy. Zanu-PF is a disciplined party and we do not want to hear these unnecessary squabbles. Our members know the channels to follow if there are disputes and grievances and let me reiterate that we do not want to continue hearing these squabbles.

“We are now waiting for a report from the provincial executive to be forwarded to the commissariat department and a position will be taken. We cannot take action now because it will be meaningless to do so without a detailed report obtaining what is happening on the ground,” he said.

Zanu-PF national secretary for the commissariat, Cde Saviour Kasukuwere referred all questions to Cde Khaya-Moyo. Counter-accusations have been rocking the women’s league from Sunday, with an announcement of a vote of no confidence being made by on the chairperson, Cde Happiness Nyakuedzwa by disgruntled executive members including her own deputy, Cde Nokuthula Matsikenyeri, who was announced as the new chairperson. Sunday night’s Press Conference was attended by Cdes Beauty Benge, Spumisiwe Chamisa, Janet Chivese and Chido Sanyatwe.

As the provincial secretary for information and publicity, Cde Benge announced the vote of no confidence on Cde Nyakuedzwa, accusing her of gross misconduct.

“Cde Nyakuedzwa showed the highest level of disrespect and insubordination by interjecting a speech by the secretary of women affairs who is the First Lady, Dr Amai Grace Mugabe during a briefing in Chimanimani in contravention of Article 28, Section 266 (a) of the party’s constitution. She is also accused of fanning factionalism in the province as well as undermining the authority of the provincial chairman,” announced Cde Benge.

Cde Benge said the vote of no confidence petition against Cde Nyakuedzwa was signed by 27 out of 39 members of the provincial women’s league, something which was later shot down by some members of the same committee.

Barely 48 hours later tables were turned on the five as Cde Nyakuedzwa presided over another meeting in Mutare where the five were shown the exit door.

Some of the 26 women’s league executive members who attended the meeting held at Mutare Hall on Tuesday alleged that the five had forged their signatures on the petition saying they never signed or agreed to have Cde Nyakuedzwa voted out of office.

Cde Matsikenyiri was replaced by Cde Edith Kamuzonde, while Cde Ivy Mhlanga replaced Cde Sanyatwe. Cde Phainah Chibato replaced Cde Chamisa, while Cdes Eunice Mudyiwa and Marian Matiza replaced Cdes Benge and Chivese respectively.

“We are still Zanu-PF members. We are foot soldiers and will continue working for the party. I am surprised that the petition was reportedly signed by 27 members of the provincial women’s league yet the majority of the executive members are in here rallying behind me. Amai Mugabe’s visit was a blessing to us and we are forever grateful.

“We should always honour President Mugabe and Amai because they care for us. She remembered us when she came to Chimanimani and we are thankful. I only learnt in the papers that I was booted out. I did not want to talk about this during this meeting, but since you have raised it first we can talk.

“These five must be taken to court for forging signatures of most executive members,” said Cde Nyakuedzwa.

Cde Evelyn Mutsago of Mutare North said: “I was threatened to sign the petition against Cde Nyakuedzwa. They forced me but I refused. She is a hardworking woman and we need her.”

Deputy Minister for Macro-Economic Planning and Investment Promotion, Senator Monica Mutsvangwa, national deputy secretary for the commissariat, Cde Alice Mutindori and Cde Lucia Chitura attended the meeting.

Cde Mutsvangwa urged the provincial executive members to remain united and work towards developing the province. She took a swipe at people who abused First Lady, Dr Amai Mugabe’s name to settle personal scores.

The five members who were allegedly booted out were not readily available for comments as they were reported to be on party business in Mozambique.