Mutsvangwas booted out of Zanu-PF

Zanu-PF has suspended deputy secretary for war veterans Christopher Mutsvangwa for three years for gross misconduct and disloyalty, while his wife, Monica, the women's league spokesperson, suffered the same fate.

The two will not hold any positions in the party during their suspension period, but will remain Zanu-PF National Assembly members for Norton and Senator for Manicaland, respectively.

Also suspended for three years was Women's Affairs secretary for Administration Esphina Nhari, who had a vote of no confidence passed on her by the Wing for chanting the slogan "Pasi NeG40" at a rally in Gutu last year.

The suspensions were announced by Zanu-PF spokesperson Simon Khaya-Moyo after the revolutionary party's Politburo meeting in Harare yesterday.

Seven former provincial youth chairpersons were expelled from the party for gross indiscipline and misconduct.

These are Godfrey Tsenengamu (Mashonaland Central), Godwin Gomwe (Harare), Vengai Musengi (Mashonaland West), Washington Nkomo (Matabeleland South), Khumbulani Mpofu (Bulawayo), Edmore Samambwa (Midlands) and Tamuka Nyoni (Matabeleland North).

Said Khaya-Moyo: "On behalf of the chairman of the National Disciplinary Committee (Vice President Phelekezela Mphoko), the secretary for legal affairs, Patrick Chinamasa presented the NDC report.

"All in all, nine cases were presented and extensively discussed by the Politburo. Three cases have been suspended for three years. Christopher Mutsvangwa has been suspended for three years and therefore must not hold any position in the party for the same period but he remains a member of the party and a Member of Parliament. In Midlands, Esphina Nhari has also lost her position in the Women's League as secretary for administration and was suspended for three years while Monica Mutsvangwa has also lost her position in the Women's League."

The Mashonaland West provincial executive last year recommended the expulsion of Mutsvangwa, accusing him of insulting the First Family and undermining the authority of the President.

This followed his utterances in the media where he was quoted as saying: "We will always respect the institution of marriage and he (Saviour Kasukuwere) is confused and conflating the institution of marriage and that of the State."

On the other hand, his wife Monica participated in an illegal meeting that tried to overturn the ousting of Manicaland chairlady Happiness Nyakuedzwa last year.

Nyakuedzwa was kicked out for disrespecting the First Lady, Amai Grace Mugabe.

Amai Mugabe is also the Zanu-PF secretary for Women Affairs.

Some of the expelled provincial youth chairpersons last week issued a press statement insulting and denigrating the First Lady.

Khaya-Moyo said Ms Rosiwita Chinyaure (Masvingo) and a T. Bhasirai have also been expelled from the party.

Three legislators from Mashonaland East, Cdes Tendai Makunde (Murehwa North), Felix Mhona (Chikomba Central), Washington Masvaire (Maramba-Pfungwe) and a youth member, George Katsande were given severe reprimands.

Khaya-Moyo said the Politburo had also resolved to expel seven youth leaders from associations aligned to Zanu-PF for naughtiness.

These are Tonderai Chidawa (Zicosu), Norest Makururu (Youths in Mining), Collin Machingura (Youths in Farming), Memory Masengu (Youths against sanctions), Absolom Madusure (National Youth Service), Gabriel Togarepi (Ziliwaco Trust) and Innocent Mhlanga (Children of War veterans).

"You are aware that there are three chairperson for Midlands, Masvingo and Mashonaland East who were on suspension and we expected a report on them but we did not get it because the NDC is still to conclude the matter with them," Khaya-Moyo said.

He said Mines and Mining Development Minister Walter Chidhakwa presented a report on the consolidation of diamond mining companies in the country.

The report, Khaya Moyo said, was "well received by the Politburo."

"National Commissar Saviour Kasukuwere, also presented his detailed commissariat report while Prisca Mupfumira (Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Minister) presented a detailed report on the drought relief activities on going throughout the country."