By Tatenda Dewa | Harare Bureau |
Ruling Zanu PF politicians wishing to stand as members of parliament in the future will be required to take orientation lessons at the newly established Chitepo Ideological College.
The college started operating in June with almost all legislators from Zanu PF and is meant to drill students with Zanu PF values.
Zanu PF chief whip, Lovemore Matuke told State media journalists on Wednesday that the first intake was progressing well, with lectures including a focus on Zimbabwe’s political history since independence.
“We are half-way through the syllabus, and we are happy with what has been happening so far,” said Matuke.
“What I can say is that the programme has been very useful. Some of our MPs came into Parliament through waivers where some were not in the party structures. But now, they are gaining a lot of understanding on the party history.
“They now know how to handle political issues and the history of our party. Now they know the importance of the leadership who played a major role in the liberation struggle. A number of our MPs can now provide meaningful debate in Parliament,” added Matuke.
He said party members who had not gone through the college would be barred from participating in future elections.
“The issues of Chitepo Ideological College is starting with members of parliament, but will cascade down to every section and structure of our country.
“In 2018, no candidate will contest on the Zanu-PF ticket without going through the Chitepo Ideological College,” said Matuke.
Legislators currently doing the course will attend college workshops every Wednesday until the end of September, when they will graduate after successfully completing the course.
Subsequently, lectures will spread to other provinces, districts and wards. Nehanda Radio
