Mat South aims for Zanu-PF clean sweep

THOUSANDS of ZANU-PF supporters yesterday thronged Phelandaba Stadium here and convinced President Mnangagwa of a massive victory on July 30.

People from all the seven districts started trooping into the stadium as early as 7am with the party’s deputy national commissar, Cde Omega Hungwe, barring schoolchildren from attending the rally.

Supporters who failed to gain entry into stadium could be seen perched on higher structures outside to follow proceedings.

Streets turned green and yellow as ruling party supporters swamped the Matabeleland South provincial capital.

In his address, President Mnangagwa said the bumper crowd was testimony that Matabeleland South was a ruling party stronghold and victory was certain come July 30.

“Now that we are in the election period, let us all ensure that we maintain a peaceful environment as we seek to make this year’s election clean, peaceful, free and fair,” said President Mnangagwa.

“We have invited a total of 46 countries to come and observe our elections and we need to show maturity and tolerance as Zimbabweans.

“For us to develop, we must have an environment of peace and we must be known for unity and love.

“I am pleased with the crowd here and the fact that you came out of your love for the party. The provincial party chairman, Cde Choeni (Rabelani), has assured me of another clean sweep in all the 13 constituencies.

“Your presence here bears testimony that Matabeleland South is a ZANU-PF stronghold. Let’s go out in our in numbers on election day to maintain our dominance.”

He said ZANU-PF was a huge mass party and told the supporters not to worry about small parties.

“If those from the small parties come to you saying we are thirsty, give them water, if they say they are hungry give them the food they require. All that we want is to achieve a thunderous peaceful victory and this can only be achieved by us as ZANU-PF,” said the President.

He had a word of advice for schoolchildren.

“Schoolchildren let us redirect our efforts on education and desist from criminal activities. Dzidzai nemazvo kuti mugove neramangwana rakanaka (Work very hard in your education for you to have a better future).

“Here in Matabeleland South we have the Gwanda State University which should produce human resources who will fit into the development scope of the province and national economic aspirations,” said President Mnangagwa.

Matabeleland South ZANU-PF chairman Cde Choeni assured the President of victory.

“The party is strong and we have assembled strong campaign teams which are already on the ground from cell to provincial level,” he said.