Mujuru booted out of Zanu PF Central Committee

By Staff Reporter

President Mugabe’s campaign of intimidation and persecution of those aligned to his deputy, Joice Mujuru, seems to going according to plan. A faction of the party loyal to Mugabe made sure the under fire Vice President was disqualified from contesting in Central Committee elections for Mashonaland Central.

In addition to Mujuru others who fell by the wayside include cabinet ministers Lazarus Dokora (Education), Nicholas Goche (Labour), Dzikamai Mavhaire (Energy), Walter Mzembi (Tourism), Simbarashe Mumbengegwi (Foreign Affairs), Flora Bhuka and Francis Nhema (Youth and Empowerment).

It’s reported the Zanu PF Mashonaland Central Provincial Executive met in Bindura over the weekend and rejected Mujuru and Dokora’s CVs.

Labour Minister Nicholas Goche meanwhile withdrew from the process saying he was now completely fed up with the ugly factional and succession wars in the party. Goche was accused of leading a plot to assassinate President Mugabe.

Others who lost in the province are Alice Chimbudzi and Stefan Mukusha, with the former not submitting her CV. Mukusha failed to garner enough votes in Muzarabani where Edward Raradza retained his seat and was joined by Hillary Mombeshora, Isaiah Musona and Veronica Chiweshe.

In Bulawayo Province, Angeline Masuku, Absolom Sikhosana, Sikhanyiso Ndlovu and Molly Mpofu also failed to make it into the Central Committee. Masuku lost to two candidates from Area 5- Charles Chiponda and Phelekezela Mphoko.

In Area 4, Alderman David Ndlovu edged Absalom Sikhosana, while Killian Sibanda got the Central Committee post unopposed. Ndlovu also lost in Area 3 to Joseph Chuma and Migan Sikhosana, while Mpofu lost the elections in the women’s quota in Area 1 where there were seven candidates.

Joshua Malinga Dube and Emmanuel Kanjoma made it into the Central Committee in Area 2. Ten candidates battled it out with Godfrey Malaba and Anna Moyo emerging the winners.

The Deputy National Secretary for the Women’s League, Eunice Moyo said the election was free and fair and held in a peaceful environment.

More shocking results were recorded in the Midlands Province, where political heavy weights Nhema, Mumbengegwi and Buka lost.

Nhema polled 61 votes to lose to Emmanuel Fundira who polled 105. Mumbengegwi also fell by the wayside losing to Thomas Gandire by 81 to 50 votes.

In Gokwe North, the former Secretary for Administration in the Women’s League, Flora Bhuka lost her central committee seat to Leonard Chikomba who got 169 votes. Buka garnered 74 votes.

The central committee elections were initially postponed pending disciplinary hearings in the two districts of Gokwe North and Shurugwi.

Provincial party spokesperson, Cornellious Mupereri said the elections were held following a directive by the Politburo for the suspended members to participate in the process.

In Mashonaland East, Politburo member and former cabinet minister, Dr Herbert Murerwa is the biggest casualty after he lost in Goromonzi to Paddy Zhanda, Golden Mujawo, Malvern Matimura and Felix Zhangazha.

Another senior politician from the province, who will not be in the Central Committee, is Marondera West legislator, Retired Brigadier General Ambrose Mutinhiri who did not seek re-election.

Retaining their seats are Sidney Sekerakayi, David Parirenyatwa and Joel Biggie Matiza, while new entrants include the Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Marbel Chinimona, Edgar Mbwembwe, Mike Bimha and Jerry Gotora.

Former Mashonaland East Provincial member, Lawrence Katsiru has bounced back after winning the elections in Marondera district.

In Matabeleland North province, Politburo member Samuel Mugandi of Binga is the only major casualty after a defeat by Joshua Muzamba in the polls.

Matabeleland North provincial chairman Richard Moyo said the elections were peaceful, free and fair in all the seven districts of the province.

Jonathan Moyo of Tsholotsho, Secretary For Economic Affairs Obert Mpofu of Umguza, Speaker of Parliament Jacob Mudenda of Hwange, Deputy Secretary for Information Cain Mathema of Tsholotsho, Thokozile Mathuthu of Hwange and Sithembiso Nyoni of Nkayi were all elected unopposed.