Factional Problems in ZANU-PF Continue Leading into National Conference: President Blasts Ambitious Cadres
December 10, 2015
Lloyd Gumbo Senior Reporter
Zimbabwe Herald
President Mugabe yesterday castigated ambitious cadres in Zanu-PF who fight for positions through personality clashes which threaten to split the party.
The President, who is the Zanu-PF First Secretary and President, said most of the differences were initiated by party cadres who sought personal advancement.
President Mugabe was speaking at the Zanu-PF Central Committee meeting in Harare, which is part of the ongoing 15th Annual National People’s Conference he will officially open in Victoria Falls tomorrow.
The President said while problems were expected on how to organise the party, elections, administration and recruitment of new members, problems bedeviling the party presently were to do with personality clashes for positions.
“So, we have a problem at the moment that threatens to split the party,” warned President Mugabe.
“Some are looking at the forthcoming elections, yet they are still far. They come in the year 2018.
“But the ambitious ones are working, some openly, some behind the scenes in all kinds of ways in order to place themselves in positions which they think will make them to be elected.
“Some want to be in those positions now, hazviite, just now! Elections take place once in five years, at the end of the five years, we all resign and the ambitious ones can line up.”
President Mugabe said party cadres were allowed to be ambitious, but should follow party rules.
He said some people who joined Zanu-PF recently already harboured ambitions for senior positions in the party and Government.
“Zvigaro hazviturunurwe sematamba, zvinouya nechimiro chako, nekudiwa kwako nevanhu (leadership positions are not low-hanging fruit that you just grab. They are bestowed by the people, out of their love and respect for you),” he said.
“Vanhu vanokuda here? Abantu bayakuthanda yini (do the people love you)?
“Mabasa awakaita anoita kuti vazokuvhotera ndeapi? Kana munhu akauya nezuro unouyu, akapinda after maelections atakaita before 2014 kucongress anotoda kuti dai ndapihwawo chigaro chepamusoro (what have you done for the people so they can vote for you?)
Vamwe vakapinda muParliament 2013, vakatopinda vachiti zvandapinda ndobva ndapihwa ministry. Hatimbodaro! Uri ani? Kutotsutsumwa kuti ah ko ini ndanyimirwei, ko unenge uri ani? Ane zviito zvakadii? Ane nhoroondo mumusangano yakadii?”
The President said although cadres could have personal hatred of each other, they were expected to accommodate one another for the good of the party.
He raised concern with the growing tendency within the party structures of officials wantonly passing votes of no confidence against other party cadres.
“The rules of the party apply and must apply in an orderly manner, a just manner to everyone, don’t discriminate,” said President Mugabe.
“The party has all kinds of individuals. It has individuals we like and individuals we dislike. It’s not everybody we like. We don’t like the manners of so-and-so perhaps. We don’t appreciate the habits of the person next to you, but he is a member of the party and he must be tolerated.”
President Mugabe hailed the Women’s League and the Commissariat department for ensuring the party was well-oiled to win by-elections that have been held since the 2013 harmonised elections.
He took a swipe at a provincial chairperson whom he said questioned his decision to appoint some people from that province to some positions.
The chairperson, whom President Mugabe did not name, argued that the officials had been appointed without the province’s blessings.
“Iwe chairman weprovince une masimba here ekuti President paanenge asarudza vanhu iwe ungati kwete ndanga ndichida ngana nangana? “To hell with you. I choose people according to my knowledge of them, what I think their capabilities amount to and whatever experience, I think you have.
“They may not be your friends, but they are party members and they must be accepted, saka ndiri kuda kunzwa ivavo vanoti avava havasi vedu nekuti hatina kuva sarudza, tozonzwa kuti iwe waka sarudzwa nani.”
President Mugabe said there was need for party cadres to promote unity among Zimbabweans and shun tribalism and regionalism.
He said all Zimbabweans regardless of which tribe or province they hailed from, deserved equal opportunities in all the country’s provinces, including farm allocations.
President Mugabe said Government was putting mechanisms in place to improve people’s livelihoods through the implementation of programmes such as Zim-Asset.
“Well Zim-Asset yes, but Zim-Asset must be propped and I am sure you can see some of the efforts that we have been making to get those of our friends outside Africa with the assistance that could come our way,” he said.
“Recently, we had a visit of the Chinese President Xi Jinping. A number of programmes, as you will be told later, were discussed and agreed, some will continue to be discussed and possibly agreed.
“I got an assurance from him (President Xi) that they will help us as much as possible, provided we proceed to work on projects and programmes that they can accept as deserving that assistance.
“There have been efforts by the leadership of the party and leadership in Government, also to seek more assistance from countries like Brazil, Belarus, and Russia etc. So, this assistance will be forthcoming, its effect cannot be felt today, but by next year, we hope the change will be felt by our people.
“So, let’s remain united, let’s remain focused, purposeful and hard working and I want to say your history of oneness is what we use as we talk to our friends that Zimbabwe is united. It was united when it fought the enemy, it is one. It is non-racial, non-tribal and truly national.”
President Mugabe bemoaned the effects of climate change such as drought that he said made life difficult for Zimbabweans.
There was need for the country to adapt by utilising the rains it receives and practice water harvesting, he said.
Zanu-PF Expels Three More, Suspends Six
December 10, 2015
Lloyd Gumbo Senior Reporter
Zanu-pf yesterday expelled three more officials, including a former Government minister, in a move which also saw two officials being suspended for five years and four others for two years for indiscipline.
Former Minister of State in former Vice President Joice Mujuru’s Office Mr Sylvester Nguni, who was serving a three-year suspension, was expelled by the Central Committee.
Mr Nguni is the National Assembly member for Mhondoro-Mubaira and his expulsion from the party is expected to trigger a recall from the Legislature.
He was also a Central Committee member for Mashonaland West Province.
Zanu-pf spokesperson Cde Simon Khaya Moyo confirmed the development after a Central Committee meeting in Harare yesterday.
“Also expelled is Christwell Mutematsaka who was a Central Committee member from Mashonaland Central and Batsirai Musona, who was also the provincial secretary for security in Mashonaland Central Province,” he said.
“There are also members who were suspended for five years and these are: Godfrey Tsenengamu, the former provincial chairperson for the Youth League in Mashonaland Central, Paul Rwodzi, who was the provincial secretary for administration in the Youth League in the same province.
“The others were suspended for two years and these are Chiratidzo Mukarati, who was the Harare provincial chairlady, Godwills Masimirembwa, former Harare provincial chairperson, Happiness Nyakuedzwa, who was the provincial chairperson of the Women’s League for Manicaland and Danny Musukuma, former Harare provincial secretary for Legal Affairs.”
The expulsion and suspension of the cadres follows a similar fate that befell Dr Mujuru and other former senior officials such as Messrs Didymus Mutasa and Rugare Gumbo.
The action was taken after it was discovered that there was a group within the party operating under the Mujuru cabal which was angling to remove President Mugabe through dubious means.
Cde Khaya Moyo said the Central Committee confirmed the positions of acting chairpersons and substantive ones.
Bulawayo is chaired by Cde Dennis Ndlovu, Harare – Cde Charles Tawengwa, Manicaland – Cde Samuel Undenge, Mashonaland Central – Cde Dickson Mafios, Mashonaland East – Cde Biggie Matiza, Mashonaland West – Cde Ephraim Chengeta and Masvingo – Cde Ezra Chidzamira.
Cde Rabelani Choeni chairs Matabeleland South, while Cde Kizito Chivamba chairs Midlands and Cde Richard Moyo (Matabeleland North).
Cde Khaya Moyo said there were resolutions made by all the provinces that would be presented at the party’s 15th Annual National People’s Conference in Victoria Falls.
“All the provinces supported the President and First Secretary of the Party as the sole candidate for the position of President and First Secretary of the party and the country at the 2018 elections and beyond,” he said.
“This was the position from all the provinces. It was unanimous. The Women’s League has gone further through resolutions that were read by the National Political Commissar (Cde Saviour Kasukuwere) that they continue to support the First Lady as secretary for the Women’s League for the current term and beyond.
“They also resolved that there was need for gender parity where they want the Zanu-PF Constitution to be aligned with the national Constitution where it says there must be 50-50 representation in all positions.
“The women also resolved that they want the party Constitution to be amended and reinstate the previous position that one of the Vice Presidents must be a woman.”
Members only, it’s a private party
December 11, 2015
Felex Share and Lovemore Mataire in VICTORIA FALLS
Suspended Zanu-PF officials and infiltrators will not be allowed to attend the 15th Zanu-PF Annual National People’s Conference which will be officially opened by President Mugabe here today, national commissar Cde Saviour Kasukuwere has said. In an interview yesterday, Cde Kasukuwere said the party would not hesitate to expel or suspend undisciplined cadres causing confusion in the party.
This comes after the Zanu-PF Central Committee on Wednesday expelled three former officials, suspended two others for five years, while another quartet was suspended for five years. Those expelled were Mr Sylvester Nguni, former Minister of State in expelled former Vice President Joice Mujuru’s office, Christwell Mutematsaka (Mashonaland Central Committee member) and Batsirai Musona (Mashonaland Central provincial secretary for security).
Suspended for five years were Godfrey Tsenengamu (Mashonaland Central youth chairperson) and Paul Rwodzi (Mashonaland Central youth secretary for administration).
Cdes Chiratidzo Mukarati, (Harare chairlady), Goodwills Masimirembwa (former Harare chairperson), Happiness Nyakuedzwa (Manicaland provincial chairperson for the Women’s League) and Danny Musukuma (Harare provincial secretary for legal affairs) were suspended for two years.
They join hordes of other officials expelled and suspended from the party this year after it was discovered that they were working with a cabal led by Dr Mujuru, which was angling to topple President Mugabe. Cde Kasukuwere said because of indiscipline, the suspended members would be watching the event from the terraces as they were not tolerated anywhere near the venue.
In any case, he said, there would be tight security to deal with gatecrashers. Musona and Tsenengamu were among suspended Zanu-PF members who arrived here yesterday with the intention to attend the conference. “Delegates who are coming from the provinces must be bona fide delegates,” said Cde Kasukuwere.
“Security will be tight from tomorrow morning and we will not allow those not accredited, MDC or People First infiltrators. “We can’t allow imposters who are coming on a fishing expedition. What matters is to be disciplined because we know that even if we expel you, you still do not want to miss Zanu-PF events. Because of indiscipline, they will now be watching from hotels nearby. We must respect decisions of the party.
“You build the party on discipline and if you give instructions and commands they will be followed.” Cde Kasukuwere said the party would continue weeding out errant members bent on creating disunity as a way of ensuring that discipline prevails.
“You are aware that this year we started dealing with those comrades who were expelled and some who were suspended and they accepted their fate,” he said. “We must have discipline in the party for the growth and sake of the organisation. We must ensure there is discipline. The party will not keep quiet, the party will not sit back and allow indiscipline to prevail.”
Cde Kasukuwere added: “We have made it clear that if you dabble in factional politics and if you become a destabilising force in the party because of pursuing factionalist agenda, we will deal with you and that is the reason why some have been suspended while others have been expelled.” Cde Kasukuwere warned members who habour ambitions that destabilise the party to keep them to themselves, as the party would not hesitate to take action.
He said in terms of the economy, the Zanu-PF Government was making headway to fulfill most of the election promises made to the people during the 2013 harmonised elections. “The political machinery is moving and if it moves like a juggernaut you cannot stop it,” he said. “The people’s belief in the leadership of President Mugabe and the party has grown tremendously and we want to ensure the objectives of the party to deliver better services to the people.
“We are taking stock, looking at challenges and failures in the past year and rejuvenate the troops as they go back to various areas to brief the people on what is being done and where we are going. We are on an upward trend and the ability to organise such a conference speaks volumes.”
Cde Kasukuwere said the conference came at a time the party’s Look East Policy has been vindicated following the recent visit by Chinese President Mr Xi Jinping, who together with President Mugabe witnessed the signing of 15 landmark economic deals worth about $4 billion dollars.
He said the completion of the airport road in Harare and the Victoria Falls International Airport were evidence of the growth and development taking place in the country. On the yet to be fulfilled 2013 electoral pledges, Cde Kasukuwere said job creation was not a one day event, but a process.
“We can’t expect that in one year we would have created 2,3 million jobs,” he said. “When we talk about 2,3 million jobs, we are also talking communicatively of what the economy can do.
“The issues that I have talked about in terms of the construction of roads and the Victoria Falls airport, our people’s role in the participation of agriculture, the funding, the revival of Cottco, the revival of Cold Storage Commission and GMB is also getting on its feet. We need to ensure that irrigation becomes an anchor of turning the fortunes of our economy.” Cde Kasukuwere said the party had increased its support bases as evidenced by the expansions from 2 900 to 3 000 districts across the country.
Zanu-PF conference opens tomorrow
December 10, 2015
Felex Share in Victoria Falls
All roads lead to Victoria Falls today as delegates to the Zanu-PF 15th Annual National People’s Conference arrive for the official opening of the important indaba tomorrow.
A few delegates were already here by yesterday for the conference.
President Mugabe, who is the revolutionary party’s First Secretary, will officially open the conference which entered its third day with a Central Committee meeting in Harare yesterday.
The event will take place at the Elephant Hills Resort Golf Course.
At the venue yesterday, service providers were busy tying the loose ends, while companies that will exhibit at the business expo were also putting up their stands.
The business expo will run concurrently with the conference.
The sound system, lighting power, communication system and water supply tanks were also undergoing final checks.
Zanu-PF Matabeleland North provincial chairperson Cde Richard Moyo said the province was ready to host the big event.
He said a tree planting ceremony, where President Mugabe was expected to plant a tree, would be held tomorrow at the venue.
“We are prepared as a province to host the delegates and everything has been sorted out from food to accommodation,” said Cde Moyo.
“Tomorrow (today) is the travelling day and delegates will be coming from various provinces. Some started trickling in yesterday and we have also arranged transport for delegates to be carried to Victoria Falls.”
Cde Moyo added: “There are a lot of companies, including indigenous ones, which will be exhibiting at the conference and they have also erected their stands. At the moment I do not have the exact number of the companies exhibiting, but they will be showcasing their products from agricultural implements, industrial and other machinery.”
The conference is being held under the theme: “Consolidating People’s Power through Zim-Asset.”
Cde Moyo said no gatecrashers would be allowed at the venue as all people had to be accredited.
“The party has been frank on this one and if there is one planning to gatecrash then he or she will be disappointed,” he said. “Only accredited delegates will be allowed in and no opportunists will be taken on board.”
The conference has brought a business boom to private home owners in the resort town, with most of them converting their houses into temporary lodges to accommodate some of the delegates.
More than 5 000 delegates are expected to attend the conference and major hotels and lodges are fully booked, leaving private home owners to cash in on the demand.
Some of the house owners are charging between $25 and $35 per night per room.
Other delegates will be accommodated at the various schools dotted around Victoria Falls.
Demand for accommodation is usually high when there are big conferences in the resort town and residents cash in on the opportunity.
“We are fully booked this week and we are geared for brisk business,” said one worker at Mopani Lodge.
“We will also provide dinner, breakfast and accommodation to the delegates.”
Also recording brisk business are tour operators, taxi owners and restaurant and bar owners.
The Zanu-PF Politburo, which kick-started the conference on Monday, asserted that the indaba would be about finding strategies that will improve people’s livelihoods and fulfil the promises the revolutionary party made to the electorate during the 2013 harmonised elections.
Zanu-PF secretary for Information and Publicity, Cde Simon Khaya Moyo has emphasised that no politics would take centre stage at the conference as only President Mugabe had the right to appoint members into leadership positions.
All the provinces have come up with their resolutions to be presented to the conference, chief among them being the endorsement of President Mugabe as the leader of the party ahead of the 2018 harmonised elections.
 |
| ZANU-PF First Sec. Robert Mugabe with AU and UN leaders. |
Lloyd Gumbo Senior Reporter
Zimbabwe Herald
President Mugabe yesterday castigated ambitious cadres in Zanu-PF who fight for positions through personality clashes which threaten to split the party.
The President, who is the Zanu-PF First Secretary and President, said most of the differences were initiated by party cadres who sought personal advancement.
President Mugabe was speaking at the Zanu-PF Central Committee meeting in Harare, which is part of the ongoing 15th Annual National People’s Conference he will officially open in Victoria Falls tomorrow.
The President said while problems were expected on how to organise the party, elections, administration and recruitment of new members, problems bedeviling the party presently were to do with personality clashes for positions.
“So, we have a problem at the moment that threatens to split the party,” warned President Mugabe.
“Some are looking at the forthcoming elections, yet they are still far. They come in the year 2018.
“But the ambitious ones are working, some openly, some behind the scenes in all kinds of ways in order to place themselves in positions which they think will make them to be elected.
“Some want to be in those positions now, hazviite, just now! Elections take place once in five years, at the end of the five years, we all resign and the ambitious ones can line up.”
President Mugabe said party cadres were allowed to be ambitious, but should follow party rules.
He said some people who joined Zanu-PF recently already harboured ambitions for senior positions in the party and Government.
“Zvigaro hazviturunurwe sematamba, zvinouya nechimiro chako, nekudiwa kwako nevanhu (leadership positions are not low-hanging fruit that you just grab. They are bestowed by the people, out of their love and respect for you),” he said.
“Vanhu vanokuda here? Abantu bayakuthanda yini (do the people love you)?
“Mabasa awakaita anoita kuti vazokuvhotera ndeapi? Kana munhu akauya nezuro unouyu, akapinda after maelections atakaita before 2014 kucongress anotoda kuti dai ndapihwawo chigaro chepamusoro (what have you done for the people so they can vote for you?)
Vamwe vakapinda muParliament 2013, vakatopinda vachiti zvandapinda ndobva ndapihwa ministry. Hatimbodaro! Uri ani? Kutotsutsumwa kuti ah ko ini ndanyimirwei, ko unenge uri ani? Ane zviito zvakadii? Ane nhoroondo mumusangano yakadii?”
The President said although cadres could have personal hatred of each other, they were expected to accommodate one another for the good of the party.
He raised concern with the growing tendency within the party structures of officials wantonly passing votes of no confidence against other party cadres.
“The rules of the party apply and must apply in an orderly manner, a just manner to everyone, don’t discriminate,” said President Mugabe.
“The party has all kinds of individuals. It has individuals we like and individuals we dislike. It’s not everybody we like. We don’t like the manners of so-and-so perhaps. We don’t appreciate the habits of the person next to you, but he is a member of the party and he must be tolerated.”
President Mugabe hailed the Women’s League and the Commissariat department for ensuring the party was well-oiled to win by-elections that have been held since the 2013 harmonised elections.
He took a swipe at a provincial chairperson whom he said questioned his decision to appoint some people from that province to some positions.
The chairperson, whom President Mugabe did not name, argued that the officials had been appointed without the province’s blessings.
“Iwe chairman weprovince une masimba here ekuti President paanenge asarudza vanhu iwe ungati kwete ndanga ndichida ngana nangana? “To hell with you. I choose people according to my knowledge of them, what I think their capabilities amount to and whatever experience, I think you have.
“They may not be your friends, but they are party members and they must be accepted, saka ndiri kuda kunzwa ivavo vanoti avava havasi vedu nekuti hatina kuva sarudza, tozonzwa kuti iwe waka sarudzwa nani.”
President Mugabe said there was need for party cadres to promote unity among Zimbabweans and shun tribalism and regionalism.
He said all Zimbabweans regardless of which tribe or province they hailed from, deserved equal opportunities in all the country’s provinces, including farm allocations.
President Mugabe said Government was putting mechanisms in place to improve people’s livelihoods through the implementation of programmes such as Zim-Asset.
“Well Zim-Asset yes, but Zim-Asset must be propped and I am sure you can see some of the efforts that we have been making to get those of our friends outside Africa with the assistance that could come our way,” he said.
“Recently, we had a visit of the Chinese President Xi Jinping. A number of programmes, as you will be told later, were discussed and agreed, some will continue to be discussed and possibly agreed.
“I got an assurance from him (President Xi) that they will help us as much as possible, provided we proceed to work on projects and programmes that they can accept as deserving that assistance.
“There have been efforts by the leadership of the party and leadership in Government, also to seek more assistance from countries like Brazil, Belarus, and Russia etc. So, this assistance will be forthcoming, its effect cannot be felt today, but by next year, we hope the change will be felt by our people.
“So, let’s remain united, let’s remain focused, purposeful and hard working and I want to say your history of oneness is what we use as we talk to our friends that Zimbabwe is united. It was united when it fought the enemy, it is one. It is non-racial, non-tribal and truly national.”
President Mugabe bemoaned the effects of climate change such as drought that he said made life difficult for Zimbabweans.
There was need for the country to adapt by utilising the rains it receives and practice water harvesting, he said.
Zanu-PF Expels Three More, Suspends Six
December 10, 2015
Lloyd Gumbo Senior Reporter
Zanu-pf yesterday expelled three more officials, including a former Government minister, in a move which also saw two officials being suspended for five years and four others for two years for indiscipline.
Former Minister of State in former Vice President Joice Mujuru’s Office Mr Sylvester Nguni, who was serving a three-year suspension, was expelled by the Central Committee.
Mr Nguni is the National Assembly member for Mhondoro-Mubaira and his expulsion from the party is expected to trigger a recall from the Legislature.
He was also a Central Committee member for Mashonaland West Province.
Zanu-pf spokesperson Cde Simon Khaya Moyo confirmed the development after a Central Committee meeting in Harare yesterday.
“Also expelled is Christwell Mutematsaka who was a Central Committee member from Mashonaland Central and Batsirai Musona, who was also the provincial secretary for security in Mashonaland Central Province,” he said.
“There are also members who were suspended for five years and these are: Godfrey Tsenengamu, the former provincial chairperson for the Youth League in Mashonaland Central, Paul Rwodzi, who was the provincial secretary for administration in the Youth League in the same province.
“The others were suspended for two years and these are Chiratidzo Mukarati, who was the Harare provincial chairlady, Godwills Masimirembwa, former Harare provincial chairperson, Happiness Nyakuedzwa, who was the provincial chairperson of the Women’s League for Manicaland and Danny Musukuma, former Harare provincial secretary for Legal Affairs.”
The expulsion and suspension of the cadres follows a similar fate that befell Dr Mujuru and other former senior officials such as Messrs Didymus Mutasa and Rugare Gumbo.
The action was taken after it was discovered that there was a group within the party operating under the Mujuru cabal which was angling to remove President Mugabe through dubious means.
Cde Khaya Moyo said the Central Committee confirmed the positions of acting chairpersons and substantive ones.
Bulawayo is chaired by Cde Dennis Ndlovu, Harare – Cde Charles Tawengwa, Manicaland – Cde Samuel Undenge, Mashonaland Central – Cde Dickson Mafios, Mashonaland East – Cde Biggie Matiza, Mashonaland West – Cde Ephraim Chengeta and Masvingo – Cde Ezra Chidzamira.
Cde Rabelani Choeni chairs Matabeleland South, while Cde Kizito Chivamba chairs Midlands and Cde Richard Moyo (Matabeleland North).
Cde Khaya Moyo said there were resolutions made by all the provinces that would be presented at the party’s 15th Annual National People’s Conference in Victoria Falls.
“All the provinces supported the President and First Secretary of the Party as the sole candidate for the position of President and First Secretary of the party and the country at the 2018 elections and beyond,” he said.
“This was the position from all the provinces. It was unanimous. The Women’s League has gone further through resolutions that were read by the National Political Commissar (Cde Saviour Kasukuwere) that they continue to support the First Lady as secretary for the Women’s League for the current term and beyond.
“They also resolved that there was need for gender parity where they want the Zanu-PF Constitution to be aligned with the national Constitution where it says there must be 50-50 representation in all positions.
“The women also resolved that they want the party Constitution to be amended and reinstate the previous position that one of the Vice Presidents must be a woman.”
Members only, it’s a private party
December 11, 2015
Felex Share and Lovemore Mataire in VICTORIA FALLS
Suspended Zanu-PF officials and infiltrators will not be allowed to attend the 15th Zanu-PF Annual National People’s Conference which will be officially opened by President Mugabe here today, national commissar Cde Saviour Kasukuwere has said. In an interview yesterday, Cde Kasukuwere said the party would not hesitate to expel or suspend undisciplined cadres causing confusion in the party.
This comes after the Zanu-PF Central Committee on Wednesday expelled three former officials, suspended two others for five years, while another quartet was suspended for five years. Those expelled were Mr Sylvester Nguni, former Minister of State in expelled former Vice President Joice Mujuru’s office, Christwell Mutematsaka (Mashonaland Central Committee member) and Batsirai Musona (Mashonaland Central provincial secretary for security).
Suspended for five years were Godfrey Tsenengamu (Mashonaland Central youth chairperson) and Paul Rwodzi (Mashonaland Central youth secretary for administration).
Cdes Chiratidzo Mukarati, (Harare chairlady), Goodwills Masimirembwa (former Harare chairperson), Happiness Nyakuedzwa (Manicaland provincial chairperson for the Women’s League) and Danny Musukuma (Harare provincial secretary for legal affairs) were suspended for two years.
They join hordes of other officials expelled and suspended from the party this year after it was discovered that they were working with a cabal led by Dr Mujuru, which was angling to topple President Mugabe. Cde Kasukuwere said because of indiscipline, the suspended members would be watching the event from the terraces as they were not tolerated anywhere near the venue.
In any case, he said, there would be tight security to deal with gatecrashers. Musona and Tsenengamu were among suspended Zanu-PF members who arrived here yesterday with the intention to attend the conference. “Delegates who are coming from the provinces must be bona fide delegates,” said Cde Kasukuwere.
“Security will be tight from tomorrow morning and we will not allow those not accredited, MDC or People First infiltrators. “We can’t allow imposters who are coming on a fishing expedition. What matters is to be disciplined because we know that even if we expel you, you still do not want to miss Zanu-PF events. Because of indiscipline, they will now be watching from hotels nearby. We must respect decisions of the party.
“You build the party on discipline and if you give instructions and commands they will be followed.” Cde Kasukuwere said the party would continue weeding out errant members bent on creating disunity as a way of ensuring that discipline prevails.
“You are aware that this year we started dealing with those comrades who were expelled and some who were suspended and they accepted their fate,” he said. “We must have discipline in the party for the growth and sake of the organisation. We must ensure there is discipline. The party will not keep quiet, the party will not sit back and allow indiscipline to prevail.”
Cde Kasukuwere added: “We have made it clear that if you dabble in factional politics and if you become a destabilising force in the party because of pursuing factionalist agenda, we will deal with you and that is the reason why some have been suspended while others have been expelled.” Cde Kasukuwere warned members who habour ambitions that destabilise the party to keep them to themselves, as the party would not hesitate to take action.
He said in terms of the economy, the Zanu-PF Government was making headway to fulfill most of the election promises made to the people during the 2013 harmonised elections. “The political machinery is moving and if it moves like a juggernaut you cannot stop it,” he said. “The people’s belief in the leadership of President Mugabe and the party has grown tremendously and we want to ensure the objectives of the party to deliver better services to the people.
“We are taking stock, looking at challenges and failures in the past year and rejuvenate the troops as they go back to various areas to brief the people on what is being done and where we are going. We are on an upward trend and the ability to organise such a conference speaks volumes.”
Cde Kasukuwere said the conference came at a time the party’s Look East Policy has been vindicated following the recent visit by Chinese President Mr Xi Jinping, who together with President Mugabe witnessed the signing of 15 landmark economic deals worth about $4 billion dollars.
He said the completion of the airport road in Harare and the Victoria Falls International Airport were evidence of the growth and development taking place in the country. On the yet to be fulfilled 2013 electoral pledges, Cde Kasukuwere said job creation was not a one day event, but a process.
“We can’t expect that in one year we would have created 2,3 million jobs,” he said. “When we talk about 2,3 million jobs, we are also talking communicatively of what the economy can do.
“The issues that I have talked about in terms of the construction of roads and the Victoria Falls airport, our people’s role in the participation of agriculture, the funding, the revival of Cottco, the revival of Cold Storage Commission and GMB is also getting on its feet. We need to ensure that irrigation becomes an anchor of turning the fortunes of our economy.” Cde Kasukuwere said the party had increased its support bases as evidenced by the expansions from 2 900 to 3 000 districts across the country.
Zanu-PF conference opens tomorrow
December 10, 2015
Felex Share in Victoria Falls
All roads lead to Victoria Falls today as delegates to the Zanu-PF 15th Annual National People’s Conference arrive for the official opening of the important indaba tomorrow.
A few delegates were already here by yesterday for the conference.
President Mugabe, who is the revolutionary party’s First Secretary, will officially open the conference which entered its third day with a Central Committee meeting in Harare yesterday.
The event will take place at the Elephant Hills Resort Golf Course.
At the venue yesterday, service providers were busy tying the loose ends, while companies that will exhibit at the business expo were also putting up their stands.
The business expo will run concurrently with the conference.
The sound system, lighting power, communication system and water supply tanks were also undergoing final checks.
Zanu-PF Matabeleland North provincial chairperson Cde Richard Moyo said the province was ready to host the big event.
He said a tree planting ceremony, where President Mugabe was expected to plant a tree, would be held tomorrow at the venue.
“We are prepared as a province to host the delegates and everything has been sorted out from food to accommodation,” said Cde Moyo.
“Tomorrow (today) is the travelling day and delegates will be coming from various provinces. Some started trickling in yesterday and we have also arranged transport for delegates to be carried to Victoria Falls.”
Cde Moyo added: “There are a lot of companies, including indigenous ones, which will be exhibiting at the conference and they have also erected their stands. At the moment I do not have the exact number of the companies exhibiting, but they will be showcasing their products from agricultural implements, industrial and other machinery.”
The conference is being held under the theme: “Consolidating People’s Power through Zim-Asset.”
Cde Moyo said no gatecrashers would be allowed at the venue as all people had to be accredited.
“The party has been frank on this one and if there is one planning to gatecrash then he or she will be disappointed,” he said. “Only accredited delegates will be allowed in and no opportunists will be taken on board.”
The conference has brought a business boom to private home owners in the resort town, with most of them converting their houses into temporary lodges to accommodate some of the delegates.
More than 5 000 delegates are expected to attend the conference and major hotels and lodges are fully booked, leaving private home owners to cash in on the demand.
Some of the house owners are charging between $25 and $35 per night per room.
Other delegates will be accommodated at the various schools dotted around Victoria Falls.
Demand for accommodation is usually high when there are big conferences in the resort town and residents cash in on the opportunity.
“We are fully booked this week and we are geared for brisk business,” said one worker at Mopani Lodge.
“We will also provide dinner, breakfast and accommodation to the delegates.”
Also recording brisk business are tour operators, taxi owners and restaurant and bar owners.
The Zanu-PF Politburo, which kick-started the conference on Monday, asserted that the indaba would be about finding strategies that will improve people’s livelihoods and fulfil the promises the revolutionary party made to the electorate during the 2013 harmonised elections.
Zanu-PF secretary for Information and Publicity, Cde Simon Khaya Moyo has emphasised that no politics would take centre stage at the conference as only President Mugabe had the right to appoint members into leadership positions.
All the provinces have come up with their resolutions to be presented to the conference, chief among them being the endorsement of President Mugabe as the leader of the party ahead of the 2018 harmonised elections.
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