Mujuru told to avoid talking about Gukurahundi to win Matabeleland vote

Zimbabwe People First's provincial coordinator for Matabeleland North has told the party's interim leader Joice Mujuru to avoid talking about Gukurahundi if she has any hopes of winning in the province.

Matabeleland North suffered some of the worst atrocities during the 1980s disturbances which remain an emotive issue with some 20,000 civilians said to have been killed as an army unit supposedly tracked down dissidents in the region.

ZimPF leader Joice Mujuru was advised Saturday to avoid the subject when she addressed about 3,000 supporters during a rally held at Manjolo Business Centre in Binga.

"We want to welcome you to Matabeleland North province president Mujuru but we say no to hate speech. We are a united province," said ZimPF provincial coordinator Mark Mkandla.

"These people you see here have come from different political backgrounds but have chosen to be united in People First."

Mkandla Gukurahundi should not be discussed at political rallies.

"The issue of Gukurahundi should not be mentioned here. It has its own platform and not a political gathering like this one.

"We are gathered here to achieve objectives of the party and not to do cheap politics like what others do," added Mkandla.

Addressing the same rally, interim women's league leader Margaret Dongo lamented the government's "neglect of youths and women in the country".

"I was last here 20 years ago and today Binga hasn't developed," said Dongo.

"Youths are being given stands yet they don't even have $60 in their pockets, what's that?

"What help does it bring to travel to be allocated a stand and you don't even have money for kombi back home?"