Cain Mathema blames tribalism on senior Zanu-PF members

ZANU-PF Politburo member Cain Mathema yesterday said divisions and tribalism were being caused by some senior party members with ulterior motives.

Mathema took a swipe at such unruly elements within the party's leadership saying they should work for the development of the country and not dwell on petty issues and tribalism.

Addressing Zanu-PF supporters during an inter-district meeting in Gweru yesterday, Mathema said tribalism has no room in Zanu PF and senior party members should desist from it.

He said fanning tribalism in the party is retrogressive to the revolutionary party's core values of unity and peace.

Mathema, who is also Matabeleland North Minister of State for Provincial Affairs, said tribalism in Zimbabwe was a creation of Rhodesians who wanted to create disunity among locals.

"We don't want a situation where somebody says I'm the only one who is learned or has the brains. We don't want tribalism at all. People should not underrate other tribes," he said.

"There are so many Moyos in the country including those that call themselves the Sitholes. So when you say you do not have relatives in Midlands or in Mashonaland where did you come from then? Who are you? "

Mathema said the Midlands is a cosmopolitan province.

"We are surprised with those that are now talking about succession. How can we talk about succession when we already have a candidate for 2018? President Mugabe is the party's candidate. Who gave those successionists the power to talk about succession now," he said.

"Zanu-PF is a voluntary party and all of us own this party. This means that each one of us individually has a right to say what they want to say until we find a solution together. I can see that Midlands you are very strong and never allow anybody else to come and destroy what you have in the Midlands."