There is no room for sleepers: VP Mphoko

Samuel Kadungure in Headlands

ACTING President Cde Phelekhezela Mphoko yesterday rallied thousands of Zanu PF supporters in Headlands to bury their differences and give the party a crushing victory in by-election set for next month.

The rally was meant to boost support for Zanu PF candidate Cde Christopher Chingosho.

Cde Chingosho will fight it out against Mr Albert Mukaratirwa, an independent candidate and National Constitutional Assembly (NCA)’s candidate Mr David Mukunda.

The Headlands National Assembly seat fell vacant after the expulsion from the party and subsequent recall from parliament of former Zanu PF Secretary for Administration Mr Didymus Mutasa.

Addressing thousands of party supporters at Mt Camel Secondary School in Headlands, the Acting President said Cde Chingosho was a product of intra-party participatory democracy and as such deserved the support of all.

“This is the man (Chingosho) you voted for during the primary elections. He was not imposed on you, but you are the ones who voted for him. By voting for him you will be reaffirming your support for Zanu PF and its leader President Mugabe. We are asking for your vote for this man. He is your son, give him a resounding victory,” said Cde Mphoko.

He said following the fall from grace of Mr Mutasa, the June 10 by-election gives the electorate an opportunity to elect a leader who is as focused, if not better schooled ideologically,

Cde Mphoko emphasised that the ruling party needs to pick up the pieces after the recent party and Government “earthquakes” and forge a united front that any election calls for.

“We want you to put heat on all these ministers. Do not spare them. They are your servants. They must work hard to meet or exceed your expectations. There is no room for sleepers,” Cde Mphoko said.

“The recent political massacres of bigwigs should serve as a rich lesson for rank and file. I am impressed by the attitude of (Cde Munacho) Mutezo. He has shown a good spirit. He has shown that being angry should be temporary. I really commend him. Those who erred must be given an opportunity to make amends.”

Cde Mphoko said the party must therefore embrace foe and ally as potential partners.

Speaking at the same rally Zanu-PF national political commissar Cde Kasukuwere castigated Mr Mutasa for condemning the land reform programme and the look east policy.

He consoled Cde Chingosho for being let down by the party, when it barred him from contesting the 2013 primary elections against Mr Mutasa. Cde Kasukuwere said as the ruling party gears for another outstanding win the Headlands by-election, it must remember that everyone matters in the creation of peace, unity and development.

In her remarks, Politburo member Cde Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri said Mr Mutasa’s legacy is a litany of shoddy performances built around imposing himself and others in the leadership of Manicaland.

Zanu PF politburo members Patrick Chinamasa, Chris Mushohwe, Kudzi Chipanga and Monica Mutsvangwa attended the rally.

Agriculture Minister Dr Joseph Made, ICT Minister Supa Mandiwanira, Provincial Affairs Minister Mandi Chimene, Energy Minister Dr Samuel Undenge, Zanu PF provincial and central committee members also attended the event.