Warring Zanu-PF cadres bury the hatchet
IN A rare show of solidarity, Zanu-PF provincial members from Makoni district held a joint meeting with Zimbabwe National Liberation War Vetarans Association leadersrap to chart a new way forward following the political developments in the country.
The meeting was tense and no holds barred, as bitter war veterans came out guns blazing, accusing party provincial members of sidelining them in party activities and programmes.
They also accused some of them of openly disrespecting and denigrating them at public functions.
The meeting, the first of its kind after many years of bickering and infighting between the two groups, was convened by Cde Albert Nyakuedzwa, who said it was imperative for Zanu-PF members and war veterans to close ranks and work for the good of the party and country.
Cde Nyakuedzwa hailed Zimbabwe Defence Forces Commander General Constantino Guveya Chiwenga for successfully leading “Operation Restore Legacy”, and said as a thank you to him party members and war veterans in Makoni should bury the hatchet.
“We are gathered here today holding the first meeting of its kind in the district necessitated by the new political developments in our country,” he said. “The mood in the country is very clear that every citizen is very happy and joyous.
“We would like to thank the Commander of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces General Constantino Chiwenga for leading Operation Restore Legacy. The Zimbabwe Defence Forces showed us the way on how to get back our great nation on track. They executed their mission of dismantling the cancerous G40 cabal in peace and order.
“We also want to thank the war veterans’ leadership led by Cde Christopher Mutsvangwa for persistently fighting the G40 cabal and showing us the way.
“Now, we saw it prudent that we convene this important meeting between provincial members, war veterans, Youth League and other party members so that we chart a new trajectory together. We are aware that most of you were no longer on talking terms, but that must come to an end.
“War veterans are the cornerstone of the party and must be given their due respect. Yes, the current relationships here in Makoni are sour, but let us take this opportunity to rectify all the problems once and for all. This office building belongs to the war veterans, but they chose to house the party and it is so sad to note that war veterans were now being denied access to the building.
“Right now, Cde Tawanda Tswatswa, who was imposed as the party district coordinator, disappeared with office keys. We have resolved that the next party coordinator should be a war veteran because we do not want people who are not oblivious to the party ideology to hold such a key post.”
Makoni District war veterans chairman Retired Colonel Harry Mangani said they were happy that the dignity of the war veterans was restored and thanked Cde Nyakuedzwa for convening the meeting between the warring parties.
Zanu-PF Youth League representative Cde Farai Mapfumo said the meeting helped in bringing the people together and chart a way forward.
“It is a step in the right direction that people from the party must bury the ugly past and move forward in peace and harmony,” he said. “General Chiwenga and the war veterans have shown us the way and as loyal cadres we must follow their exemplary ways.
“As youths we are fully behind his clarion call for the nation to unite and this meeting is one such.”