Dabengwa retains Zapu presidency

OPPOSITION Zapu leader Dumiso Dabengwa has retained the party's presidency, but indicated that he would not seek another term in 2018.

Dabengwa's post was uncontested at the party's 8th congress held in Bulawayo at the weekend, where delegates also gave him the leeway to appoint five technocrats to the Zapu national executive council to strengthen and improve the party's visibility, particularly in the rural areas.

He is deputised by Laura Makuzva.

Other executive council members include Issac Mabuka (national chairperson), Jacob Dube (national treasurer), Strike Mkandla (secretary-general), Mjobisa Noko (deputy secretary-general), Tawanda Majoni (spokesperson) and Iphithule Maphosa (deputy spokesperson).

Derrick Katsenga was elected organising secretary and is deputised by Ndodana Moyo and Orchard Nyathi.

Zapu members also proposed to draft in ZPRA Veterans Association (ZPRAVA) as an affiliate.

The new national executive was given a blank cheque to negotiate with other opposition parties committed to the formation of a grand coalition and a national transitional authority.

"Congress also tasked the incoming executive council to come up with a strategic plan with specific time frames aimed at winning 2018 national elections. Congress further adopted the decision by the Zapu Youth Front to disband its national executive committee and replace it with a working committee until August 2017 where an elective conference shall be held."