Shut up, says Zanu-PF

President Robert Mugabe's Zanu-PF has blocked its members from speaking to the press unless authorised to do so.

Rugare Gumbo, the Zanu-PF spokesperson, yesterday told a news conference at the party headquarters in Harare that no member should make or be permitted or authorised to make any press releases or other public statements or disclosures concerning the party.

The decree is part of measures aimed at cracking down on leaks to the press by disallowing any Zanu-PF member from talking to the press without the prior written consent of the party.

"Publicity of the policies and activities of the party are directed, controlled, supervised and coordinated by Cde Rugare Gumbo, the secretary for publicity and information in the politburo at national, provincial, district and branch levels," Gumbo told reporters.

"Therefore, the issuance of unsanctioned statements from unauthorised people within the party should cease forthwith.  This is a serious breach of party protocol and procedure."

The Zanu-PF spokesperson warned party members to also cease and desist from campaigning for Central Committee positions.

"All members of the party are being advised that the guidelines for the election of Zanu-PF Central Committee members have Shut up, says Zanu-PF not been finalised and approved by the central committee," he said.

"All party members are therefore advised to desist from electioneering or allocating posts in any form whatsoever.

"Any member of the party who will breach this directive will face stern disciplinary action."

Meanwhile, Gumbo said party chairperson Simon Khaya-Moyo convened a national coordinating committee meeting on Wednesday where eight sub committees were tasked with preparing for the party's congress.

Secretary for administration Didymus Mutasa will be in charge of the finance committee, political commissar Webster Shamu will head the organising committee, Sydney Sekeramayi will head security and accreditation, Gumbo, information committee; Nicholas Goche, transport and welfare; Emmerson Mnangagwa, documentation and legal; David Parirenyatwa, health; and Sikhanyiso Ndlovu will head the entertainment committee.

Gumbo urged party members to maintain peace as the party moves towards the December elective congress.

"As Zanu-PF prepares for its 6th national people's congress, all party members are called upon to uphold the spirit of unity of purpose to ensure the successful implementation of national programmes," Gumbo said.

"Political stability, peace, order, social and economic development can only be achieved under conditions of national unity bound by a high level of discipline, which is a hallmark of our revolutionary party."