The ManicaPost
Samuel Kadungure
Senior Reporter
Zanu PF continues to pay attention to the constituencies that had issues stemming from primary elections in a bid to swiftly pick up the pieces, unite the supporters and build a strong support base to avoid reincarnation of the ‘bhora musango’ mantra.
The ruling party’s Second Vice President, Cde Kembo Mohadi, on Tuesday addressed the Presidency’s fourth star rally in Manicaland when he descended on Zimunya-Marange District.
President Mnangagwa has visited the province twice in the last month, while Vice President, Dr Constantino Chiwenga, was in Makoni West last week where he drummed up support for the ruling party.
Cde Nyasha Marange, who contested the primary elections against Cde Brighton Manengureni and Headman John Mafararikwa, is the party candidate in Mutare West.
Cde Brighton Manengureni is now in the provincial council list.
Cde Mohadi said Zanu PF is out on a mission to nip any insidious seed of revolt.
“The party is rallying its members behind its official candidates, led by President Mnangagwa, then the MPs and councillors. We do not want bad apples that will push supporters astray and revolt. All aspiring candidates that lost in the primary elections should go and work for the party. Let us be united,” he said.
Cde Mohadi also warned the revolutionary party against complacency built on the tricky doctrine of invincibility in some of the province’s constituencies.
He said divergent views that work for the good of the party must not be misconstrued for dissent, adding that Zanu PF must be driven by competitive ideas and real substance.
He said Zanu PF cadres must gear themselves for a resounding win on August 23.
“The party will continue to hold primary elections which you may contest and eventually win. Obviously you will need all our support. Bear in mind that those who prevailed today may fall tomorrow, and you may prevail against them and you will need their support.
“So do not stray away, we do not want a bhora musango. The field of politics clearly requires sober minds. Let us be united and win a violence-free election. Let there be no violence.
“The detractors are on the fringes, ready to annihilate. We do not want violence. Zanu PF is a peaceful party, and we can win this election without violence. There cannot be development without unity and peace,” said Cde Mohadi.
Cde Manengureni called for unity ahead of the August 23 polls.
“I want to thank you for giving us direction, and uniting the Mutare West family to rally behind Zanu PF candidates. Let us all support the party and all its candidates. Of course, people may have different feelings, but we should let bygones be bygones,” said Cde Manengureni.
Cde Marange expressed optimism that a united Zanu PF will retain the seat.
“We are looking forward to working together as a constituency. We will ensure there is convergence of purpose from the church (Johane Marange), traditional leadership and grassroots so that President Mnangagwa, the MP and our 11 councillors win the elections. We want Mutare West to be a model constituency,” he said.
Politburo member, Cde Supa Mandiwanzira said: “Yes, there could have been some misunderstanding, but we now want unity of purpose. Mutare West Constituency now has two representatives — Cde Nyasha Marange as MP and Cde Manengureni in the provincial council. We need to work as a team to ensure that President Mnangagwa, the MP and Cde Manengureni win.”
Zanu PF Central Committee member, Cde Nokuthula Matsikenyere said the grassroots must be treated with respect and dignity when soliciting for votes.
