Damasane tears into Thokozani Khupe

Zanu-PF women legislators yesterday scoffed at claims by their MDC-T counterparts that the expulsion of former Vice President Joice Mujuru was retrogressive in the quest to uplift women in Zimbabwe.

Women Affairs, Gender and Community Development Deputy Minister Abigail Damasane said Zanu-PF exercised powers within its Constitution in expelling VP Mujuru just like what other parties did.

Deputy Minister Damasane was responding to a contribution by MDC-T leader in Parliament Ms Thokozani Khupe who bemoaned the expulsion of VP Mujuru saying it undermined efforts to elevate women in decision-making positions.

Ms Khupe made the remarks two months ago while moving a motion to declare March 8, International Women's Day, a national holiday so that they celebrate womanhood.

In her response yesterday, Deputy Minister Damasane said Zanu-PF did not have a habit of meddling in what happened in other political parties as what the MDC-T sought to do in the case of former VP Mujuru.

"As Zanu-PF, we are guided by the party's constitution as to how we deal with various unbecoming acts that led to the dismissal of the former VP. There is no revolution without cleansing ceremonies.

"As Zanu-PF, you have never heard us asking why Mr Tendai Biti left the MDC-T to form MDC Renewal or why (Mrs) Priscilla Misihairabwi-Mushonga resigned."