Zanu-PF extends olive branch to G40

Zanu-PF Masvingo provincial chairman Ezra Chadzamira has said his executive committee is ready to reconcile with erstwhile G40 footsoldiers who caused divisions in the party.

Addressing a Zanu-PF inter-district committee meeting at Jerera Growth Point in Zaka on Friday last week, Chadzamira urged the nation to rally behind President Mnangagwa and his Government.

"In this new political dispensation, our clarion call is that of unity, tolerance and patriotism. Let us be a united people who work for a common purpose of social development and economic revival. I encourage all of you to really behind the new Government and leave past political differences as we are moving towards national development," he said.

"President Emmerson Mnangagwa has enunciated a national vision for all of us and if we rally behind his vision. We are going to make it." Chadzamira reiterated that Zanu-PF was not aiming at expelling members, but would rehabilitate erstwhile cadres ahead of the coming harmonised elections.

"We are inviting these members back into the fold so that peace, unity and development prevails in the party," he said. Chadzamira said former G40 members would not be allowed lead party programmes to avoid confusion.

"To those who were forgiven, I encourage you not to go over the moon. We are going to undergo a serious vetting process to ensure that we are moving along the same path. At the moment, stay away from party positions until we are satisfied so that those who were with us in the revolution take front seats," he said. Chadzamira urged party members to shun corruption.

"I hereby appeal to fellow Zimbabweans to remain disciplined and optimistic while we put processes to drive our nation towards prosperity and development for all of us," he said.

"I urge all of us to remain patient and peaceful, desist from any vengeful retribution for development to be achieved." Speaking at the same occasion, Minister of State for Masvingo Province Josaya Hungwe urged Zimbabweans to rally behind President Mnangagwa.

"In this new political dispensation, whether you are MDC-T, MDC, Zanu-PF or whatever political party you belong to, it is the time you should rally behind our new President and the Government," he said. Minister Hungwe said Government, through such programmes as Command Agriculture, made available inputs that should foster economic development. He urged people to register as voters ahead of this year's harmonised elections.