The ManicaPost
Ray Bande Senior Reporter
ZANU PF will take drastic measures against power-hungry cadres who are allegedly criss-crossing its districts canvassing for support ahead of the envisaged return of district coordinating committees (DCCs) in the party’s organogram.
The party has also warned provincial leaders against purging and issuing prohibition orders to party members with opposing views.
Zanu PF politburo member Cde Simbarashe Mumbengegwi last Saturday told an emotive party inter-district indaba at Mutare Hall that stern measures will be taken against those breaching party protocol by campaigning for the yet-to-be declared DCC positions.
He said the party has not issued a directive to that effect, yet some ambitious officials are already on the ground campaigning.
DCCs were disbanded from the party’s organogram in 2012 and there is speculation that they can be re-introduced anytime.
Cde Mumbengegwi said no electioneering would be tolerated until an announcement is made.
“The commissariat department has noted with great concern machinations by some party members to commence campaigns for DCCs prior to the official announcement by the party.
“It is against this background that party cadres are being sternly warned against this clear breach of the rules and regulations regarding the conduct on internal party elections.
“Such actions and perpetuation of such behaviour will attract stern disciplinary measures as prescribed in the party constitution,” he said.
Cde Mumbengegwi said the premature campaigns by aspiring leaders were fuelling factionalism, imposition of candidates, disharmony and despondency in the party.
“The net effect of these unsanctioned campaigns is factionalism, imposition of candidates, disharmony and despondency in the party and we will not hesitate to evoke stern and deterrent corrective measures on those unscrupulous elements. Party members should stand guided by our rules and guidelines, not the social media. Victimisation of members through issuance of prohibition orders must also stop forthwith,” said Cde Mumbengegwi.
The Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Zanu PF central committee member Dr Ellen Gwaradzimba also bemoaned the lack of unity in Manicaland.
“We do not want to sanitise a bad image. We do not want to put a good impression when we all know things are not well in the province. Leaders must be principled.
“It is high time we all serve the people of Manicaland with distinction as per the party pledges and dictates of our manifesto. We must promote unity among ourselves for the betterment of the province. We need unity of purpose. We do not want fake unity and choreographed or stage-managed cheers, while behind the scenes we scheme and plot the downfall of other comrades.
“The quest for economic development is premised on engagement and re-engagement. We cannot engage and re-engage with the world if we cannot do that among ourselves. Charity begins at home, but does not end there,” she said.
Dr Gwaradzimba said people should disengage from politics and start work towards improvement of the economy.
“We need to depart from politicking and look at ways to improve the provincial economy. I will not preside over a divided and chaotic province. Days of suspending and purging party members should be a thing of the past,” she added.
