VP aspirants must reform, says JB Phetshu

ZANU PF Matabeleland South spokesman, Jabulani Phetshu has urged VP aspirants to 'reform' and heed to First Lady Grace Mugabe's advice to chose one candidate instead of jostling for one post.

Grace Mugabe made a stinging rebuke on the vice-presidential aspirants during her cross country tours of the provinces that ended last week and urged them to immediately cease jostling for posts as that fuelled factionalism in Zanu PF.

Ministers Simon Khaya Moyo and Kembo Mohadi, Senator Naison Khutshwekhaya Ndlovu, ex-Zapu stalwart Phekezela Mphoko and Ambrose Mutinhiri have openly shown interest in the vice-presidency which was left vacant by the death of John Nkomo.

But Phetshu who has been silent since then yesterday backed Grace and commended for lashing out at the VP aspirants.

"The First Lady showed rare political maturity. She was bold to tackle the five in public advising them to drop their stance and that they risk tearing the party apart," he said, lavishing praise on Grace.

"In recent months we have been urging the leaders to reconsider their positions and come up with one candidate, but they did not heed our call.

"Now that the First Lady, who was simply delivering a message from President Robert Mugabe, has boldly told them that their stance is fuelling factionalism, they must reform."

Sibanda urged ex-Zapu secretary-general Cephas Msipa to urgently convene a meeting with the five candidates and buttress Grace's move.