ZANU PF leaders in Matabeleland North province yesterday stampeded to distance themselves from factionalism rocking the party, a week after President Robert Mugabe spit venom over the matter.
NTHANDAZO NYONI OWN CORRESPONDENT
Mugabe tore into Information, Media and Broadcasting Services minister Jonathan Moyo accusing him of using State media to divide Zanu PF.
Zanu PF secretary for administration Didymus Mutasa accused Justice minister Emmerson Mnangagwa of leading a faction angling for Mugabe’s post in the event that the 90-year-old stepped down.
He said Vice-President Mujuru could not be said to be leading a faction because she was already assured of taking over from Mugabe as a result of her position.
The Matabeleland North leadership met at Elangeni Training Centre where the issue of factionalism took centre stage. Moyo did not attend the meeting for yet-to-be-known reasons.
Transport and Infrastructural Development minister Obert Mpofu said Matabeleland North did not identify with any Zanu PF faction because no one from the province had presidential ambitions.
“The issue of factionalism is annoying me to say the least. Last time I told politburo members in a meeting that factionalism wouldn’t take us anywhere,” he said.
- Chamisa under fire over US$120K donation
- Mavhunga puts DeMbare into Chibuku quarterfinals
- Pension funds bet on Cabora Bassa oilfields
- Councils defy govt fire tender directive
Keep Reading
“We as Matabeleland North province we do not belong to any faction because there is no one vying for the presidential post in the region.
“We don’t do something that we will never achieve and I say those who are fanning factionalism should please leave it.
“Senior minister (Simon Khaya Moyo) please do not be told lies.
“We belong to the party and we know the hierarchy and the party’s constitution.
“We lost elections last year because we have some dissidents who are pulling down the party.”
Khaya Moyo said factionalism had no place in Zanu PF and urged party leaders to concentrate on winning the 2018 elections.
“We must fight factionalism because nobody belongs to anybody. We belong to one party with one president. Let us show the world that we are united,” Moyo said.
“Don’t be disappointed by anything, but be exited. Don’t be cry-babies because that will not take you anywhere.
“What we can achieve in Matabeleland North province is unity. We must respect each other to build unity. Respect your leaders and every structure.”
Zanu PF Matabeleland North provincial chairperson Richard Moyo presented a dossier showing the party’s performance in the region.
The report revealed that Binga has membership of 5 100, Bubi district has 3 350, Tsholotsho 6 200, Hwange 500, Nkayi 0 and Umguza 5 550.
He said Zanu PF had “sell-outs” and weevils who were dividing the party. Mugabe made reference to weevils when he attacked Moyo at former Information minister Nathan Shamuyarira’s burial last Saturday.
Mutasa said Zanu PF members should use gamatox, a chemical used by farmers to kill pests, to remove weevils from within Zanu PF.
