TRANSPORT minister Obert Mpofu and his politburo counterpart, Jonathan Moyo on Friday played a high stakes game, as they seemingly went all out to donate towards celebrations to mark President Robert Mugabe’s birthday. Richard Muponde Senior Reporter
Mpofu donated $40 000 and 20 beasts, while Moyo donated 20 beasts for the Saturday celebrations.
Ironically, Mpofu has recently been accused of failing to pay his workers.
The Zanu PF honchos also chartered a train to carry about 1 600 supporters from Bulawayo to the resort town of Victoria Falls, where Mugabe’s bash is going to be feted. Mugabe turned 91 last Saturday and as the norm the 21st February Movement has organised a bash for him.
The celebrations are going to be held under the theme “Celebrating the birth of Gushungo, the icon of Zimbabwe’s revolution and champion of youth empowerment”.
However, what stole the day at the stakeholders meeting on Friday in Victoria Falls was the donations by Mpofu and Moyo, which observers said was meant to curry favour with Mugabe.
Matabeleland North youth chairperson Tamuka Nyoni yesterday confirmed the donations.
“The preparations are going on well,” he said.
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“On Friday our leaders graced the meeting and helped us with what had remained. Mpofu donated $40 000 and 20 beasts, Moyo donated 20 beasts, while the Speaker of Parliament Jacob Mudenda donated two beasts.
“However, there was a mix up on the time for the meeting, as some had heard 10am and others 2pm, but I can say all politburo members came except for Sithembiso Nyoni.”
After donating the beasts, Mpofu reportedly castigated those who were donating wild animals towards the bash, arguing it was the same as poaching and said people should donate cattle.
He reportedly went on not say: “You can’t feed people with game meat as some are possessed with spirit mediums. They can’t eat that.”
Mpofu and Moyo’s gesture was also seen as thanking the president for appointing them into the politburo. Not to be outdone, Vice-President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s wife, Auxillia, is going to lead a clean-up campaign of Victoria Falls on Wednesday ahead of the bash on Saturday.
The 21st February Movement main celebrations will be held at Elephants Hills Golf Course on February 28.
A gala will be held at Chinotimba Stadium soon after the main event, while 111 children born on the February 21 will be hosted at Victoria Falls Farm School on Friday.
