Zanu-PF demotes top officials

THE ZANU-PF leadership in Masvingo has demoted two executive members over allegations of fanning factionalism and holding unsanctioned meetings.

Provincial political commissar Jeppy Jaboon and Women's League Chairperson Veronica Makonese have been reassigned to lower positions in the party.

Jaboon is now deputy secretary for the disabled in the main wing while Makonese is the deputy secretary for the disabled in the women's league.

In an interview following a closed provincial executive committee meeting at Masvingo Polytechnic College on Saturday, provincial secretary for administration Ailes Baloyi said the meeting resolved to reassign some of the executive members to lower portfolios for allegedly fuelling divisions.

He said the executive does not want to expel the members as there is room for a dialogue. "We've with immediate effect reassigned Jaboon and Makonese to the positions of deputy secretary in their respective wings. We came to this decision after the two were said to be holding unsanctioned meetings with the latest one being on Thursday where other executive members were not invited," said Baloyi.

He said the PCC reached consensus on the resolution and the decision will soon be communicated to the affected members who were absent from Saturday's meeting.

"We reached consensus on this one and no one has been fired as some misguided elements would want to believe," he said. Jaboon professed ignorance on the matter. "It's news that I've been demoted. I'm yet to receive communication to that effect," said Jaboon.

Makonese could not be reached for comment. Present at the meeting were Cdes Shuvai Mahofa, Paul Mangwana, Lovemore Matuke and Pupurai Togarepi among other senior members.