Obert Mpofu warns Zanu-PF members opposed to Mugabe leadership

ZANU-PF members who continue to oppose President Mugabe's leadership and disrespect the party will be dealt with accordingly, a senior party official has warned.

Speaking during a party to celebrate the appointment of Matabeleland North members into the Zanu-PF Politburo in Binga district yesterday, the party's secretary for finance Dr Obert Mpofu said it was senseless for anyone to believe that they could easily topple President Mugabe.

He said the party had got rid of people who had tried to throw it into disarray and if there was anyone who was still working against the principles of the party, they would also be removed as a matter of urgency.

"President Mugabe was endorsed as the party president by 12 000 delegates at last year's National Congress. We will continue to stand by him through thick and thin. If you see yourself wanting to remove him from power then you have a serious problem.

"Those that were opposing President Mugabe's leadership are no longer with us. If you continue to oppose we won't hesitate to also get rid of you," said Dr Mpofu.

He said it was unfortunate that in any institution there was always a bad apple, which was there to be a spoiler. The Minister urged party members and the general public not to be derailed by such elements.

Dr Mpofu, who is also the Umguza constituency Member of the House of Assembly, said it was unfortunate that the party continued to fare badly in Binga but said he would not rest until the district was won over by the ruling party.

"Binga is one of the few districts that is lagging behind in terms of development because some of you still believe they are waiting for MDC to get into power, which will never happen. That very party which they are backing has been destroyed totally.

"In the 2013 elections we fought hard in Matabeleland North and I must assure you that come 2018 we will continue to fight hard. Yes, we did not win Binga but I can tell you that in terms of numbers we had a fair increase of voters voting for Zanu-PF. If you continue working hard for the party, I tell you we will win over Binga. I really hate someone who labels someone an MDC supporter, instead of that we should be trying to win that person over rather than shun them," said the Minister.

He called on leaders not to forget where they were coming from when they got into leadership positions but to continue working with the people.

"As a leader you have to lead by example, you must engage in activities that will make people love you. Respect is also key; by respecting the people you serve or the traditional leadership I can assure that you will be a leader par excellence.

"Today I am really happy at what has been done by the people of Binga by organising such a big function where we are celebrating Zanu-PF's achievements and goals set in the just ended congress. What has been done today has been failed by others who claim to be more Zanu-PF. This really shows that the commitment is there," said Dr Mpofu.

The Minister further castigated non-governmental organisations which he said pre-occupied themselves with giving people food instead of development.

Speaking during the same function, Zanu-PF Matabeleland North provincial chairperson Richard Moyo thanked the people from the province for their continued support during party functions which had seen President Mugabe awarding them with the highest number of Politburo members.

"As you might all know, in the run up to last year's Congress there was chaos in all the provinces except Matabeleland North. In the province we remained resolute and the President remains confident in us. That is why he rewarded us with five Politburo seats and with all the confusion I am the only surviving chairperson.

"Here in Binga we have been told of all the problems that you are facing, we will look into them and I assure you they will be rectified. One promise I must make to you all is that come 2018 Binga will be ours," said Moyo.

The build-up to the celebrations was marred by controversy with reports that party members had warned Politiburo member Sithembiso Nyoni against attending.

This was after party members in the province called on her to apologise to them for having reportedly labelled the provincial leadership as shallow.

Meanwhile, Dr Mpofu met civil servants at the Binga Rural District Council chambers where there was an outcry over Government's move to employ people from outside the district to come and hold influential positions.

The Minister, however, called on people holding high positions to engage the local leadership to help reduce the friction in the district.

"Engagement is the only way to go. I know the problem of temporary teachers, prison officers, the police and other key posts. To help solve such, I would encourage you all to engage the traditional leadership when making these appointments," he said.