Chombo hails Grace Mugabe, Muchinguri

Zanu-PF secretary for Administration Dr Ignatius Chombo flanked by Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri and Manicaland Provincial Minister Mandi Chimene at St James Zongoro Secondary School in Mutasa District yesterday as they celebrate Muchinguri's reappointment as a Politburo member. — Picture by Tinai Nyadzayo

Cletus Mushanawani in Mutasa Zanu-PF secretary for Administration Dr Ignatius Chombo has hailed the First Lady Amai Grace Mugabe, Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri and their team for ensuring that the party remains stronger by weeding out rogue elements prior to the 6th National People's Congress in held in December.

Addressing more than 3 000 people gathered at St James Zongoro Secondary School in Mutasa Central yesterday to celebrate the appointment of Muchinguri-Kashiri as the secretary for Transport and Welfare in the Politburo, as well as Minister of Higher and Tertiary Education, Science and Technology Development, Dr Chombo, who was standing in for Vice President Emmerson Mnangagwa, said the party was now stronger than before.

"Before our 6th National People's Congress some prophets of doom were saying Zanu-PF and President Mugabe were finished," he said.

"Some went to the extent of saying come January 2015, Zanu-PF will be doomed.

"The opposite is true because Zanu-PF is now stronger and made up of true cadres. All sell-outs were flushed out. I want to thank the First Lady, Dr Mugabe, Muchinguri-Kashiri and their team for a job well done in removing all gamatox elements in the party.

"Everyone is now united and we are now working for a common purpose. I also want to take this opportunity to thank the provincial leadership for having a unity of purpose and this should continue."

On his disgraced predecessor, Didymus Mutasa, Dr Chombo assured the people of Manicaland that his case will be speedily dealt with and feedback would be given to the province as soon as possible.

"Due process is now being done to the disciplinary issue of Mutasa," he said.

"We have received all the necessary paperwork from the province regarding Mutasa's expulsion from the party as well as being recalled from the Headlands constituency where he is MP.

"The party's disciplinary committee which was announced last week is now seized with the matter."

Dr Chombo hailed the appointment of President Mugabe as the new African Union chairman, saying the appointment was victory for the country and a slap in the face for its enemies.

On the appointment of Muchinguri-Kashiri as the Minister of Higher and Tertiary Education, Science and Technology, Dr Chombo said student activists had met their match because she was a no nonsense person.

Muchinguri-Kashiri hailed the people of Mutasa for honouring her through hosting the celebrations.

She said Mutasa's case needed to be speedily dispatched.

"There is a new breadth of fresh air in Manicaland," she said. "I think everyone can agree with me that it was not possible to have gatherings of this nature during Mutasa's era as our leader here in Manicaland.

"This notorious gangster should be dealt with decisively. He was instrumental in having the late Edgar Tekere forming ZUM and duped Simba Makoni from leaving Zanu-PF. He wanted to be the only powerful person in Manicaland. Peace is now prevailing in the party and his case should be concluded speedily."

Politburo members Cdes Patrick Chinamasa, Chris Mushohwe, Monica Mutsvangwa and Kudzai Chipanga, Minister of State for Manicaland Provincial Affairs Mandi Chimene, Minister of Information Communication Technology, Postal and Courier Services, Supa Mandiwanzira, Central Committee members as well as provincial members attended.