Women leading in Zanu-PF provincial posts applications

SEVERAL candidates - with women leading the pack - have expressed enthusiasm to contest for posts in Zanu-PF provincial executive committees for the main, women and youth wings in elections slated for October 26.

The candidates will battle it out for provincial, youth and provincial women's league chairperson's posts across the country's 10 provinces ahead of the Zanu-PF Annual National People's Conference scheduled to run from December 11 to 15 in Chinhoyi.

Zanu-PF principal director in the commissariat department Air-Vice Marshall Henry Muchena (Retired) said applications have been trickling in from the country's 10 provinces.

"We are still receiving applications from interested candidates and there has been great enthusiasm. A good response has come from women who are willing to take the posts.

"Adequate information relating to the actual number of interested candidates will be available in due course, but all I can say is the process has been smooth and progressing well," he said.

In Matabeleland North, incumbent provincial chairperson Richard Moyo is squaring off against his deputy Reed Dube.

"The names that are in the hat at the moment are nine and I am being challenged by my deputy Reed Dube," said Moyo.

"Those vying for Women's League provincial chairperson are Madeline Bhebhe and Siphiwe Mafuwa who is a councillor in Hwange. In the youth league, the incumbent chairperson Delay Ncube is unchallenged."

In Mashonaland Central, incumbent provincial chairperson Dickson Mafios had submitted his curriculum vitae by end of day yesterday, while there were indications that former Muzarabani North legislator Luke Mushore expressed interest is vying for the same post.

"In the Youth League, incumbent Godfrey Tsenengu is being challenged by his deputy Gilbert Kanhutu and former provincial chairperson Dougmore Chimukoko," said a source.

"The Women's League current chairperson Stella Muchapondwa is squaring off against provincial secretary for Transport Dorothy Mashonganyika."

There were also indications that Mashonaland East provincial chairperson Ray Kaukonde was unchallenged.

In Masvingo, several military heavyweights are battling for the key positions. Retired Major General Gibson Mashingaidze and Brigadier General Callisto Gwanetsa are among those eyeing the provincial chairman's post.

Lovemore Matuke, who was Masvingo provincial chairman, before his suspension yesterday for insubordination, was also said to be interested in retaining his post but is likely to be ineligible in the wake of his suspension.

In the women's wing the battle is likely to pit incumbent provincial chairwoman Shylet Uyoyo who is squaring off with Alginia Mhlanga the current deputy chairwoman for the party in Masvingo.

The Youth Wing sitting provincial youth chairperson Yeukai Matsaure is said to be seeking re-election and would battle against his deputy Oliver Huruva.

In Mashonaland West, at least five people would battle it out in a tight race to succeed incumbent John Mafa at the helm of the Zanu-PF Mashonaland West provincial executive.

Former chairman Dr Philip Chiyangwa submitted his curriculum vitae along with Hurungwe West National Assembly member Temba Mliswa, Nimrod Chiminya and Colonel Guvheya Beta also submitted their CVs.

In the Women's League incumbent Sarah Mahoka squares off with Constance Shamu while in the Youth League at least nine people have challenged incumbent Bywell Mbiri.

According to a source, Harare incumbent provincial chairperson Amos Midzi is battling it out with Jason Passade, Justin Zvandasara and Forbes Magadu.

Harare youth wing sitting provincial youth chairperson Jimu Kunaka is said to be facing a challenge from ssix other candidates.