'Forthcoming Zanu-PF conference not about leadership change'

THE forthcoming Zanu-PF's 15th Annual National People's Conference is not about leadership change, but a crucial indaba meant to press forward the economic empowerment agenda, national political commissar Saviour Kasukuwere has said.

As such, Kasukuwere said, Zanu-PF cadres should be contented with their current positions.

Addressing delegates during a Mashonaland West provincial inter-district conference on Sunday, Kasukuwere said those carrying out covert operations were wasting their time as the revolutionary party's focus was on improving the livelihoods of Zimbabweans.

This is contrary to misinformed assertions by some sections of the media that the conference, slated for December 7 to 13 in Victoria Falls, would see the Zanu-PF constitution being amended and some leadership changes taking place.

"Our conference is coming and, we're going there to discuss about empowering the people not about President Mugabe. That issue has been finalised," Kasukuwere said.

"We're aware of clandestine, stupid moves. They'll not succeed. I'm happy where I'm as secretary for the commissariat, (Ignatius) Chombo is secretary for administration and he's happy where he is, the chairman of the province (Ephraim) Chengeta, Cdes (Edna) Madzongwe, (Josiah) Hungwe, (Christopher) Mutsvangwa and everyone else should be happy and contented with where they are."

Mashonaland West province endorsed President Mugabe as the party's 2018 election candidate.

Kasukuwere said the conference theme: "Consolidating People's Power through Zim-Asset" was all about transforming people's lives.

He added that those angling for the party's top post would be dumped along the way as President Mugabe remained the people's favourite.

"Going astray and selling out isn't about what you do physically, but what you think when you're sleeping with your wife, dreaming of when you're in a post already occupied by someone," he said.

"The danger comes when you start thinking about succession. Temba Mliswa did the same and look what he's doing. Today he's with MDC, tomorrow he's with Mai (Joice) Mujuru. He's everywhere. The issue of defending President Mugabe is non-negotiable. For some of us, it's a matter of life and death. Be focused, defend the President."

Mliswa was part of a putchist cabal led by former Vice President Joice Mujuru which wanted to topple President Mugabe ahead of Zanu-PF's Congress last December.

Ring leaders of the cabal were sacked while other members were suspended from the party.

Kasukuwere warned party members against consorting with opposition forces saying Zanu-PF was not afraid of booting them out and having by-elections, where necessary.

"Those who've been suspended from the party, toe the party line," he said.

"The moment you start hobnobbing with people the party is against, you're on your own and we're ready to come back for by-elections and I assure you Zanu-PF will still prevail. This is a message to those wavering. In politics there's no wavering just like in the church you can't worship God and Satan at the same time."

He said the First Lady Grace Mugabe, who is the Zanu-PF Women's League secretary, deserved respect as she had played a leading role in bringing back stability in the party that had been rocked by factionalism steered by the former VP Mujuru's cabal.

"Amai Mugabe is our First Lady, she must be respected equally alongside the President of our country," Kasukuwere said.

"We support the President and you can't say you don't support his wife. We asked her to come into politics and she did a good job, helping in the kicking out of the wayward ones. The country and stability of the party was being threatened. The Americans and their money had found their way here and your farms were now under threat."

He added: "One thing Zanu-PF isn't scared to do is to discipline someone. Even If I go astray I'll be disciplined. No one is above the party. No one owns the party, it belongs to the people of Zimbabwe."

Kasukuwere commended Hungwe for leading the restructuring programme in Mashonaland West.

"What's now important is to unite and move forward building the party. Down with forming small groups that have sinister agendas," he said

"Chengeta, you're the provincial chairperson and if there're any grey areas (in the district elections) go back and let the people's will prevail. You've the support of the Politburo, don't be scared."

He said mobilisation and strengthening of the party structures should continue ahead of the 2018 general elections.