The ManicaPost
Senior Reporter
Ruling Zanu PF cadres in leadership positions have a duty to put the party first ahead of their personal interests in the run-up to next year’s harmonised elections, a senior party official has said.
Speaking during the launch of the 2023 harmonised elections campaign for Manicaland Women’s League in Mutare on Wednesday, the league’s national secretary for administration, Cde Monica Mutsvangwa told cadres to put the party’s interests first.
“We must not put our petty personal interests ahead of the party’s interests. In fact, the interests of the party are our interests. Therefore, let us rally behind President Mnangagwa, our one and only candidate in next year’s harmonised elections.
“You might not like me as an individual, but when it comes to party issues, your hatred for someone should not hinder you from working for Zanu PF. We are all different, but what unites is the big tent called Zanu PF,” she said.
Cde Mutsvangwa, who is also the Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister, reminded those in attendance to look at the New Dispensation’s achievements since its election into office.
“President Mnangagwa and Zanu PF are the people’s choice. Look at how major roads and dams in this country are being constructed. There are a lot of boxes that the new administration can tick, but some people choose not to see that.
Part of the ruling party’s members that attended the meeting
“Zanu PF has done exceptionally well although it is operating under illegal sanctions,” said Cde Mutsvangwa.
Acting Zanu PF Manicaland provincial chairperson, Cde Tawanda Mukodza called on party cadres to unite behind President Mnangagwa.
“Let us shun the old culture of being called by other people’s names. You hear someone being referred to as someone’s person. We are one. We need to win these elections resoundingly.
“Let us be united and focus on supporting the leadership we have and see them through the elections. We are all behind President Mnangagwa and that is all we know,” said Cde Mukodza.
Zanu PF Manicaland Women’s League chairperson, Cde Happiness Nyakuedzwa urged party cadres to put the interests of the party first and shun divisive tendencies.
“I want to say Manicaland Province unite. If we have differences, let us set them aside now and revisit them after the elections. All we want is to get our President into office. Let us leave all petty issues behind and focus on the elections ahead,” Cde Nyakuedzwa said.
She said the Women’s League will be moving around the province to update its database.
“We want to see our statistics intact by year end. We are looking forward to nothing less than 250 000 votes from our women in the province. As a province, we have the numbers and we can do it,” she said.
Central Committee member, Cde Nokuthula Matsikenyere, who is also the Minister of State for Manicaland Provincial Affairs and Devolution, warned leaders against abusing party regalia and party empowerment programmes.
“I want to urge local leaders in cells and districts to be exemplary. Let us not abuse the things we get in the name of the people we lead. It is unfortunate that we still have some leaders who want to have all the things they get for themselves, to the extent of using the party regalia as scrubs in their homes.
“These are the small things that chase people away from the party. They will end up saying it’s fine, get the cloths and vote yourself,” said Cde Matsikenyere.
Several representatives of Zanu PF affiliate organisations that include traditional leaders under Chiefs for ED, Vendors for ED, Teachers For ED, Nurses For ED, Man BelievED, Pastors For ED, war veterans, detainees and collaborators, as well as the Youth League graced the occasion.
District Coordination Committee chairpersons from across Manicaland were also in attendance.
