Undenge beefs up Zanu-PF provincial executive

ZANU-PF has filled all positions in its Manicaland provincial executive following the co-options of some members to posts that were left vacant following the ouster of some members of the Dr John Shumba Mvundura-led executive early this year.

The co-options into the provincial main wing were done recently following the appointment of Dr Samuel Undenge, by the Zanu-PF politburo as the substantive Manicaland provincial chairman.

He replaces Dr Mvundura.

The meeting resolved that Joseph Mujati (Makoni) be elevated to deputise Dr Undenge.

Mujati was until his elevation the deputy secretary for administration in the old executive and was in charge of party affairs in Makoni District.

Mr Mujati replaces Elliot Kasu who also had a vote of no confidence passed on him.

Kenneth Saruchera remained the provincial secretary for administration.

Tendai Saruchera (Nyanga) was brought in as the new secretary for finance. He takes over the purse from Dr Undenge.

Simon Mapfumo (Chipinge) is the new political commissar replacing James Kaunye (Makoni) who was pushed out through the same vote of no confidence.

Ronald Muderedzwa and Oliver Mandipaka (all Buhera) complete the top six of the provincial main wing executive after retaining their positions as the secretary for security and information and publicity respectively.

The provincial women's league also met recently and consecrated Nokuthula Matsikenyere as the league's new provincial leader.

Matsikenyere's elevation follows the dethronement of Happiness Faith Nyakuedzwa on charges of indiscipline and fanning factionalism.

Matsikenyere will now be deputised by Beauty Benge (Makoni).

Saruchera confirmed the co-options adding that this had effectively put to rest the issue of jostling for party leadership positions in Manicaland.

Saruchera said the new-look party leadership would be in office until 2019.

"These co-options mean that the issue of the party's provincial leadership in Manicaland is now a closed chapter as we now have a new-look executive committee that will preside of the party affairs until the end of their term of office in 2019," said Saruchera.

"The women also did the same, leaving the provincial executive with its full compliment. The task at hand is for the executive to push forward programmes, strengthening and organising party structures and spearheading development in Manicaland province," said Saruchera.

Mujati called for unity saying in-fighting and public disagreements could pull the revolutionary party backwards.

He said intra-party divisions had the potential to cause parties to lose focus and potential votes.