Matabeleland is not marginalised - Byo Governor

Zanu PF politburo member and Bulawayo Resident minister Cain Mathema yesterday dismissed as untrue and baseless, concerns by many people from Matabeleland that the region was marginalised.

He also attacked Industry and Commerce minister Welshman Ncube and Finance minister Tendai Biti, accusing them of delaying the release of the much-awaited $40 million package for distressed Bulawayo companies.

He said the issue of marginalisation was a tool used by the "enemy" fanning tribalism to create mayhem in the Matabeleland region.

He, however, confirmed he was aware that at least 87 companies were closed in Bulawayo leaving 20 000 people jobless, but said "these companies did not go to Harare".

Mathema was addressing participants at the 12th Zanu PF annual people's conference at the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair grounds in Bulawayo yesterday.

Getting back to the issue of $40 million, he said: "Biti and Ncube are playing games with the $40 million."

Zanu PF and the two MDC formations have been engaged in a tug-of-war over the fund with each of them trying to use it to gain political mileage ahead of possible elections next year.