By Fortune Tazvida
There was more political drama in the Zanu PF succession circus when the party’s Masvingo Province nominated Women’s League boss Oppah Muchinguri for the Vice Presidency left vacant following the death of Joseph Msika.
Front runner John Nkomo the current party chairman received nominations from Bulawayo, Matabeleland South, Matabeleland North, Manicaland and Masvingo. Senate President Naison Ndlovu was also nominated by Matabeleland North.
There were no surprises when Robert Mugabe retained the leadership of the party with 9 out of 10 provinces endorsing his iron grip on the party. Co-Vice President Joice Mujuru is also set to retain her post.
Matabeleland North meanwhile nominated Mines and Mining Development Minister Cde Obert Mpofu and Zimbabwe’s Ambassador to South Africa Simon Khaya Moyo — for the chairmanship of the party. Should Nkomo as expected become Vice President he will have to relinquish the party chairmanship.
In nominations for the chairmanship, Masvingo seconded Home Affairs co-Minister Kembo Mohadi, while Manicaland and Bulawayo selected secretary for administration Didymus Mutasa and Khaya Moyo respectively.
Raising eyebrows for most in the party will be Matabeleland North province nominating political turncoat Professor Jonathan Moyo, former ‘independent’ MP for Tsholotsho, to be a member of the central committee. His re-admission into the party caused a lot of heated debate and acrimony.
Below are the nominations for the Central Committee province by province.
Bulawayo:
Joshua Malinga, Callistus Ndlovu, Alice Nkomo, Godfrey Malaba, Molly Mpofu, Edson Ncube, Sikhanyiso Ndlovu, Fidelia Maphosa, David Ndlovu, Absolom Sikhosana, Oppah Ncube and Angeline Masuku.
Matabeleland North:
Samuel Mugande, Jacob Mudenda, Fati Mpofu, Headman Moyo, John Nkomo, Professor Jonathan Moyo, Obert Mpofu, Senator Lot Mbambo, Leonard Nkomo, Sithokozile Mathuthu, Josephine Moyo, Rebecca Fanuel, Sheila Dlodlo, Meline Nyoni, Sithembiso Nyoni and Eliza Ncube.
Mashonaland West
Ignatius Chombo, Virginia Muchenje, Patrick Zhuwawo, Webster Shamu, Edna Madzongwe, Sylvester Nguni, Nathan Shamuyarira, Virginia Katyamaenza, Douglas Mombeshora and Phineas Makumba.
Other nominations from the other provinces are still to be finalised.
