adminGeorge Maponga in Masvingo
ZANU-PF supporters this week snubbed celebrations for ousted Masvingo provincial chairperson Retired Brigadier General Callisto Gwanetsa’s victory in last year’s harmonised elections.
Cde Gwanetsa is the legislator for Chiredzi South and held the belated victory celebrations on Saturday at Chikombedzi Business Centre.
Less than 100 people turned up for the celebrations.
Sources said only a handful of his supporters attended the event.
Cde Gwanetsa was recently removed from the provincial chair through a vote of no confidence after he was accused of promoting factionalism in the party.
He has since been replaced by Cde Paradzai Chakona on acting basis.
Cde Gwanetsa allegedly ended up bussing pupils from Samu Primary School near Malipati Business Centre.
Those behind the victory celebrations suspect former Chiredzi South legislator Cde Ailess Baloyi influenced Zanu-PF supporters to snub the celebrations.
Cde Gwanetsa was non-committal when asked about the matter.
“I do not discuss political issues with the media these days. I only do things that benefit me and there is nothing that I benefit from discussing political issues with the media. I have stopped talking to the media for now,’’ he said.
Cde Baloyi confirmed the celebrations were poorly attended.
“I only knew of the victory celebrations on the day. I was never invited and I knew nothing about the celebrations. I do not interfere with Cde Gwanetsa’s activities and I cannot be that powerful to stop people from attending his rallies,’’ said Cde Baloyi.
He said very few people still had confidence in Cde Gwanetsa following his dismissal as provincial chair.
Bongani Ndlovu
Online Reporter