Mphoko could neither confirm nor deny his interest in VP post

FORMER Zimbabwe Ambassador to South Africa Phelekezela Mphoko yesterday cleared the air on his alleged ambitions to land the country's Vice-Presidency, saying he would only make a decision "when the gates have been opened."

Ambassador Mphoko could neither confirm nor deny his interest in the post yesterday but indicated that he would make a decision when the time comes.

Ambassador Mphoko said he would never be in a hurry to make any announcement on the issue.

There has been speculation on the possible candidates for the VP post which fell vacant last year following the death of VP Landa John Nkomo.

Zanu-PF national chairman Simon Khaya Moyo is on record as saying he was not in a position to discuss issues of positions.

The speculation comes at a time when Zanu-PF is preparing for an elective congress scheduled for December this year.

Dr Obert Mpofu, the Minister of Transport and Infrastructural Development who was also said to be eyeing the post, recently said he hoped that Khaya Moyo would take up the position, adding that the Matabeleland region was against factionalism.

He said the region was aware of the party's protocols and procedures and would rather concentrate on what they could achieve, which was the Vice-Presidency.

The position of VP is traditionally reserved for former Zapu members in accordance with the 1987 Unity Accord signed by President Mugabe and the late Vice-President Joshua Nkomo.

By virtue of his position in the party hierarchy, Khaya Moyo has been touted as the front runner for the VP post, but some reports have suggested that Ambassador Mphoko could fit into the late VP Nkomo's shoes due to his seniority during the liberation struggle.