Calls to discipline errant Zanu-PF members

ZANU-PF members in Mutare urban have called for the disciplining of errant members who are serving suspensions but are allegedly holding clandestine meetings.

Speaking during a no-holds barred meeting at Sakubva Beithall on Sunday, which was attended by Zanu-PF national secretary for security, Dr Sydney Sekeramayi, Dr Douglas Mombeshora, Central Committee and provincial members, attendees felt that there are some people who were now above the party as they were openly violating party procedures and conditions of their suspensions.

Former Mutare District Co-ordinating Committee chairperson, Cecilia Gambe, said the provincial leadership had failed the party and called for the appointment of an interim committee.

"We are directionless in this province because of a leadership crisis. Some people think they are above the party and are getting away with murder.

"We hear of suspended members holding meetings and we wonder where we are going as a party. Some were elected to warm their chairs and they have totally forgotten that they have a constituency to serve.

"There is communication breakdown between the grassroots and those in power. The provincial leadership does not have people at heart and they have completely failed. It is better to have an interim leadership, which can rejuvenate the party because failure to do so spells doom.

"We were embarrassed during the just-ended constitutional referendum when our leaders only came to the people with four days to go before the referendum. If they were lukewarm during the referendum, what can you expect during the forthcoming harmonised elections? When it comes to positions, we look at one's social standing and not his or her capabilities. Just because I am from McGrecors does not mean I am not a good leader. I can be better than those who think they are smarter. We live with the people and we know what they want, so please no imposition of leaders on us," said Gambe.

Her sentiments were also echoed by Ward Seven representative who said the provincial leadership lacked proper action plan.

"There is no action plan on the part of the provincial executive. Dishonesty, corruption, big-headedness and selfishness are causing divisions in the party. We should have a leadership code of conduct and not the free-for-all situation prevailing. There are no meaningful projects happening in the city, yet we are a few kilometers from the Chiadzwa diamond fields. We are hearing stories of leaders looting resources at Chiadzwa, yet the city is crying for development. Party members are operating from rented offices, yet we are told that some people looted from diamond mines in the name of the party," he said.

Susan Mushonga accused outsiders of destroying the party in Manicaland.

"We are directionless because we do not believe in ourselves. We have allowed foreigners to dictate the pace for us, yet we have capable people among us who can take us to the Promised Land. Please sanity should prevail in Manicaland," she said.

Responding to what was presented to them, Dr Sekeramayi, said it was time for people to deliver and not to have endless talk shows.

"Some of you are accusing us people from outside Manicaland for causing havoc in the party, but we are here to listen to your concerns and chart the way forward.

" We have heard your grievances and we will take them to the relevant offices for them to be addressed. We understand that you are disgruntled that things are not being done in the correct manner and this should be addressed urgently because the party needs to be strong.

"Leaders are chosen by people and not vice-versa. I think we all listened to President Mugabe's speech during our Gweru conference where he strongly spoke against the imposition of candidates and that is the same message we are repeating today.

"So far, we only have one candidate in President Mugabe. The commissariat department is finalising primary elections guidelines, but we should work for the party's victory. We should win the majority of the seats in Manicaland," he said.