'Mugabe is free to choose his lieutenants,' says Hungwe - Video

A Zanu-PF Politburo member, Josiah Hungwe says the party's December congress is not an elective one as the President and First Secretary of the party, who has already been endorsed, will appoint those he deems fit to work with him.

Zanu-PF goes to a congress from the 2nd to the 7th of next month in Harare, where members are expected to contest for various posts including the two vice presidency positions, the chairmanship and that of Secretary for Administration, among others.

However, Hungwe told thousands of cross-border traders and vendors' representatives who converged at the Mazowe Children's Home on Tuesday that the Politburo has resolved that President Robert Mugabe, who has already been endorsed by all provinces and party wings to lead the party, is free to choose his lieutenants.



"We are going to the congress to endorse President Mugabe. Politburo members, (Oppah) Muchinguri included, have agreed that Mugabe is free to choose those he wants to work with. We have seen many stories in the press, calling the congress elective and I want to tell you that it will not be elective at all because some dishonest party members wanted to manipulate the process. In Masvingo where I come from, they had a plan, transport had been organised to ferry members that would vote against President Mugabe or any other members opposed to their machinations. Now we are saying no to that," said Hungwe, who is also the Psychomotor Minister.

Cross border traders and vendors' representatives had gone to Mazowe to throw their wait on the First Lady, Dr Grace Mugabe, who was endorsed as the incoming Secretary for the Women's League.

Speaking at the meeting, members of the Zimbabwe Cross Borders Association appealed to the First Lady to help them access land to build homes and to construct their own businesses.

The President of the association, Killer Zivhu pledged the association's support for the President and the First Lady, saying they are ready to defend them with their blood if need be.

Zivhu said he leads a group of over 3 million cross border traders, adding that the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) should have mercy on them and allow them to break even when they bring in their wares for resale.

Vice President of the association, Mrs Esther Hwaire saluted President Mugabe for empowering women.

Cross border trade has played a big role in ensuring household food security and educating children especially for widows, single parents and housewives.