Zanu-PF expels two members

ZANU-PF has expelled two members who are standing as independent candidates in Mutare's Ward Two and Four.

The two, Cecilia Gambe (Ward Two) and Martin Chitsinga (Ward Four), were served with expulsion letters this week following their decision to stand as independent candidates.

The party's Manicaland provincial disciplinary committee chairman, Mike Nyambuya, wrote to the two on Tuesday announcing their suspension from the revolutionary party.

Reads the letters, which this paper has in possession: "Following your nomination as an independent Ward 2 candidate on the 28th of June 2013, you automatically expelled yourself from being a member of Zanu-PF. This is in line with the policy, rules and regulations of the party.

"You are therefore not allowed to participate in any Zanu-PF party programmes. You can return all party regalia in your possession. Please adhere to this instruction to avoid further inconveniences."

Pension Gwinyai is representing Zanu-PF in Ward Two, while Brian Marange is representing the party in Ward Four.
The letters were also copied to the provincial chairman, Ambassador John Mvundura, Mutare Central aspiring Member of Parliament, Trinity Munowenyu and Mutare Urban District party co-ordinator, Tsvande.

Meanwhile, Justice and Legal Affairs Minister, Patrick Chinamasa, has called for unity among citizenry, advising Zimbabweans to promote peace and mutual co-operation that would engender progress in the country.

Chinamasa, who is the Zanu-PF parliamentary candidate for Makoni Central, said Zimbabweans must be patient and tolerate to divergent political persuasions since that is what democracy entails.

Chinamasa implored the people of Makoni Central, where he squares off against MDC-T's Mr Patrick Sagandira and Mavambo/Dawn/Kusile leader, Dr Simba Makoni, to be vigilant and ensure that some criminal elements do not infiltrate their ranks to foment trouble.

He said politics had nothing to do with violence or sabotage and the welfare of everyone and the fate of the nation depended on respect for the rule of law.
Chinamasa, who was addressing members of the Apostolic Faith Mission in Zimbabwe (River of Life) on Sunday, called for prayers for President Mugabe and all those in leadership positions for God to increase their wisdom to be able to pilot the affairs of the country.

Chinamasa told congregants that a national dialogue, in which all elements of society participate, without any exclusion, is the only tool to resolve any problems or differences.

While congratulating the nation's leadership for steering the ship to safer zones, Chinamasa, however, advised that Zimbabweans must work for the success of democracy.

He called for consistency in politics pointing out that "politics is not synonymous with deceit or inconsistency, but steadfastness that should attract development and welfare for the citizenry".

He urged Zanu-PF members in the constituency to guard against carpet crossing on account of any little disagreement, saying such moves were unhealthy for party politics.
The comments follow the confusion that was created by his rival in the Zanu-PF primary elections Basil Nyabadza, who was refusing to accept defeat.

Chinamasa pledged to continue to give the constituents effective representation at the National Assembly that would bring development to the constituency.
The Zanu-PF Politburo member said he would bring servant and focused leadership that would bring transformation in Makoni Central.

"We want people to vote in peace. We need to be patient with one another in our democratic journey. We know democracy was brought by the barrel of the gun, but we can not continue shedding blood in the name of politics.

"The era of using violent tactics to woe votes is gone, and I for one I do not need a vote from someone who is a victim of violence. I need clean votes. We must embrace civil politics in Makoni Central. We must elect people who will live to their word when given the mandate to rule, which is what I pledge to.

"Political parties must beg for votes and not intimidate or beat up people to get support. We do not want the culture of violence in our midst. We want peace in Makoni Central," said Chinamasa, adding that political violence does not fit in a civil society.

"The onus is on us to ensure that peace and unity is sustained in the country. I appeal for tolerance and peaceful co-existence of different political beliefs. The world is watching Zimbabwe."