Headmen urged to campaign for Zanu-PF

SMALL and Medium Scale Enterprises Minister, who is also Zanu-PF Nkayi North MP, Sithembiso Nyoni has urged headmen to drum up support for the former sole ruling party ahead of elections, saying this would be a worthy way to thank President Robert Mugabe who gave them their powers.

Addressing a rally at Gwelutshena in Nkayi on Saturday, Nyoni said traditional leadership structures like the headmen and village heads should stop the MDCs from getting the rural vote.

"I urge all headmen to work with Zanu-PF, you should make sure villagers in your areas support Zanu-PF. You should make sure the MDCs do not make any inroads. I know there are some people who will say 'do not get involved in politics'. President Mugabe gave you powers and you should use those powers to work with Zanu-PF," Nyoni said.

According to the Global Political Agreement, chiefs among other traditional leaders, should be apolitical.

Zanu-PF has managed over the years to buy the loyalty of some village heads and chiefs with expensive handouts, including luxury cars, monthly allowances and free maize seed.

The party has, however, come under fire for buying the loyalty of the traditional leadership structures with, for example, maize seed. Reports in rural areas say chiefs, village heads and headmen are spearheading terror and politicising food aid ahead of the general elections.

The MDCs have condemned the practice and urged them not to abuse their traditional roles by functioning as Zanu-PF political commissars.

Nyoni also dismissed the MDCs as pretenders who should not be taken seriously to govern Zimbabwe.

"Do not be swayed by the MDCs that are bringing sweets for your votes," said Nyoni.

"They are just pretenders who will never govern Zimbabwe. From next week, I will be going to each and every ward doing what I know best (campaigning) to ensure we defeat the MDCs."