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Zanu-PF bigwigs bunk Mnangagwa CUT event
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A senior Zanu-PF provincial executive has expressed sharp disapproval over party officials repeatedly failing to attend key events hosted by President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
In a letter to the leadership of Mashonaland West province, provincial chairperson Mary Mliswa-Chikoka criticised MPs and central committee members for their absence at the 21st graduation ceremony of Chinhoyi University of Technology (CUT), where only Women's Affairs, Community and SMEs deputy minister Jennifer Mhlanga represented the leadership. The President capped 3 130 graduands at the ceremony.
Mliswa-Chikoka condemned the absences as a serious lapse in political duty, warning that deliberate nonattendance at presidential functions undermines loyalty, unity, and party discipline. "What message are you sending when you deliberately absent yourselves from events graced by the first secretary of our party?" she asked, adding that attendance reflects both political consciousness and commitment to the party's values.
The provincial chairperson did not hold back in threatening consequences for repeated negligence. "Time is coming to name and shame those whose conduct is undermining the values, unity and authority of Zanu-PF from within," she said.
Among the notable absentees were central committee and district co-ordinating committee members Phineas Makumbe, Thomas Chidzomba, Christine Gwati, Precious Masango, Tapera Mtovido, Elisha Bhokoro, Archy Ganizani, and Rudo Munyonga. Only politburo member Douglas Mombeshora submitted an apology, citing government duties.
Mliswa-Chikoka's admonition comes amid a tense succession battle within Zanu-PF. One faction aligned with President Mnangagwa is pushing to extend his tenure, either through constitutional amendments or by delaying the next elections. Another faction backs Vice-President Constantino Chiwenga as a potential successor, while businessman Kudakwashe Tagwirei is viewed as a possible dark horse.
The letter underscores the ruling party's insistence on discipline and loyalty, signalling that internal dissent and complacency will not be tolerated as it navigates its leadership contest.
In a letter to the leadership of Mashonaland West province, provincial chairperson Mary Mliswa-Chikoka criticised MPs and central committee members for their absence at the 21st graduation ceremony of Chinhoyi University of Technology (CUT), where only Women's Affairs, Community and SMEs deputy minister Jennifer Mhlanga represented the leadership. The President capped 3 130 graduands at the ceremony.
Mliswa-Chikoka condemned the absences as a serious lapse in political duty, warning that deliberate nonattendance at presidential functions undermines loyalty, unity, and party discipline. "What message are you sending when you deliberately absent yourselves from events graced by the first secretary of our party?" she asked, adding that attendance reflects both political consciousness and commitment to the party's values.
The provincial chairperson did not hold back in threatening consequences for repeated negligence. "Time is coming to name and shame those whose conduct is undermining the values, unity and authority of Zanu-PF from within," she said.
Among the notable absentees were central committee and district co-ordinating committee members Phineas Makumbe, Thomas Chidzomba, Christine Gwati, Precious Masango, Tapera Mtovido, Elisha Bhokoro, Archy Ganizani, and Rudo Munyonga. Only politburo member Douglas Mombeshora submitted an apology, citing government duties.
Mliswa-Chikoka's admonition comes amid a tense succession battle within Zanu-PF. One faction aligned with President Mnangagwa is pushing to extend his tenure, either through constitutional amendments or by delaying the next elections. Another faction backs Vice-President Constantino Chiwenga as a potential successor, while businessman Kudakwashe Tagwirei is viewed as a possible dark horse.
The letter underscores the ruling party's insistence on discipline and loyalty, signalling that internal dissent and complacency will not be tolerated as it navigates its leadership contest.
Source - Newsday
