Zanu-PF infiltrates churches

Zanu-PF's campaign strategy ahead of the forthcoming general elections will hinge on infiltration of churches, neutralization of civic society and the use of traditional leaders to whip the rural electorate into line, internal party documents have revealed.

According to Zanu-PF's 2010 and 2011 central committee reports, the party's campaign will be anchored on the land reform and indigenization programmes.

Zanu-PF has been pushing for fresh election since 20120 and this position is reflected in the Zanu-PF programmes.

Part of the 2011 central committee report states: "These activities involves a visit to church gathering and conferences, meetings and tradition leaders, minority groups and members of the business community.

"His Excellency, the President and First Secretary Cde RG Mugabe, pioneered the programmes by paying a visit to the Johane Marange Apostolic Church gathering Marange.

"Other members of the Presidium followed suit as guest of honour at various gatherings."

Over four million Zimbabweans are estimated to be members of the mainline churches which Zanu-PF is targeting.

In April this year, Zanu-PF political commissar Webster Shamu addressed scores of members of the Guta Ra Mwari (Zvimiso) Church at its Holy Shrine in Nyazura.

The meeting was also attended by Zanu-PF Manicaland provincial chairman Mike Madiro and several central committee members.

In June, party chairman Simon Khaya Moyo officiated at the Annual Feast of Tebernacles of St John's Apostolic Church of the Whole World. Local Government minister Ignatius Chombo, Mashonaland West governor Faber Chidarikire, president of Senate Edna Madzongwe, Zanu-PF Mashonaland West provincial chairman John  Mafa, MP for the area Sylvester Nguni and local chiefs were among the delegates.