'I have no hard feelings,' says Sikhanyiso Ndlovu

Zanu PF secretary for Education Sikhanyiso 'Duke' Ndlovu says he has 'no hard feelings' after failing to make it into the central committee following Monday's provincial election ahead of the party congress next week.

Ndlovu was among the Zanu PF bigwigs in the province who include secretary for youth Absalom Sikhosana, former Matabeleland South governor Angeline Masuku, central committee member and war veteran Molly Mpofu that were ‘baby-dumped' by party supporters.

Ndlovu, popular for his statement that he is the "president himself", put up a brave face on Monday evening at Davies Hall as he gave his "parting words" where he said his best wishes "from the bottom of his heart" to the new central committee members.

"I have no hard feelings. I wish the new central committee team all the best, and this is from the bottom of my heart.

"I urge them to work hard and defend the party principles. We have done it since the 1950s and 60s, and now it's your turn," he said.

Ndlovu praised the youths for "voting wisely" and for choosing candidates of their choice, saying it was their democratic right and that they learnt from the best, referring to himself.

"I am also happy about the way the elections went, it's a sign that the youths have learnt from the best," he said, despite being booed by the youths.

He said elected members must hold firm to their positions like President Robert Mugabe who has been "holding firm" to the presidency ever-since he became one in 1980.

Last week, Bulawayo party youths staged a spirited demonstration against Ndlovu, Masuku and Tshinga Dube over accusations that they sabotaged the First Lady Grace Mugabe's rally held at Amazulu Sports Ground in the city, but Dube somehow found his way back and was nominated into the central committee.

Sikhosana, who could not hide his clearly dejected mood as he listened to the proceedings, could only say "kuyatholakala", meaning it happens.

In her address, the party's deputy secretary for women's affairs, Eunice Sandi Moyo, who made it into the central committee via a women's quota and oversaw the elections, said the process went on "peacefully" and "orderly".

Moyo said there was no winner or loser in the elections, and at the same time urged party members to work together for the progress of the party ahead of the 2018 elections.

She also urged winners to work with the people as a team and not discriminate members on the basis of who they supported before the elections.

"They are all your children," she said.