More Zanu PF infighting as Ziyambi kicked out

Vicious infighting in President Robert Mugabe’s party continued on Monday with the Zanu PF provincial executive in Mashonaland West passing a vote of no confidence against interim chairperson Ziyambi Ziyambi.

According to state media reports Ziyambi was accused of “leaking” party official secrets to ousted ex-chairman Temba Mliswa ahead of last month’s by-elections in Hurungwe West. Ziyambi was immediately replaced by his deputy Keith Guzah, (recently elected MP for the area, despite not being a registered voter).

A petition issued by the province said “In gross violation of the party structures, Ziyambi Ziyambi connived with a small cabal and leaked party secrets to Temba Mliswa and clandestinely assisted by way of passing information on our campaign strategies to him and his family.”

“Ziyambi has, for reasons best known to himself, continued to frustrate the party’s cell structuring programme by refusing to cooperate with the Politburo-appointed supervisory team led by Cde Josiah Hungwe, resulting in Mashonaland West being the worst province as it is now way behind in carrying out this Politburo mandate.”

Ziyambi is also accused of disregarding a decision by the provincial Women’s League to elect Angeline Muchemeyi as the new provincial chairlady.

Reads the petition in part: “This act was gross disrespect and a direct challenge to the First Lady, Dr Grace Mugabe, who is Secretary for the Women’s League.

“Ziyambi Ziyambi mounted a vigorous campaign to dissuade members of Zanu-PF from attending the much publicised Kadoma Zim-Asset inspired business and housing initiative by Macsherp, which was officiated by Dr Mugabe in the company of the two Vice Presidents, several Politburo and Central Committee members.”

He is also accused of disregarding “constructive” advice and encouraging disorder in the party. Asked how many people had signed the petition, Mr Guzah said:

“We met over the weekend and the members constituted the required quorum. We have handed the petition to Cde Ziyambi, Vice President Phelekezela Mphoko (who chairs the disciplinary committee) and all members of the National Disciplinary Committee.”

Ziyambi yesterday described as “nonsensical and baseless” the decision to boot him out, saying he was yet to receive the petition.

“I was at the forefront of removing Mliswa and for someone to say I was working with him is absurd,” he said.

“This clearly shows that these are people looking for something which is not there. As for Guzah, I used my personal money campaigning for him in Hurungwe West and also skipped my June examinations. I cannot follow this nonsense.”

Guzah responded: “He is talking garbage because he actually stole some money which I was supposed to use for campaigning.”