Bhasikiti quits politics
CONTROVERSIAL politician and former Minister of State for Masvingo Provincial Affairs Mr Kudakwashe Bhasikiti
has quit politics in order to focus on agriculture at his Moria Farm in Mwenezi East.
Bhasikiti was expelled from ZANU-PF in 2015, during the late former president Robert Mugabe’s time following allegations of fanning factionalism in the party.
He then joined the National People’s Party (NPP) before unsuccessfully attempting to rejoin Zanu- PF and eventually settling for Nelson Chamisa’s MDC-Alliance.
Mr Bhasikiti confirmed his decision yesterday.
“People do not eat active party politics. My previous involvement in party politics was based on a desire to participate in policy-making and contribute to the country’s economic growth,” said Mr Bhasikiti.
“I have therefore decided to abandon party politics and focus on developmental projects. As you know, I am have a thriving farming business where I grow mangoes, sugarcane and citrus fruit trees.
“Let it be known that I am different from other myopic politicians who engage in unnecessary political dogfights”, while the nation goes hungry.”
During his time in Zanu-PF and Government, Mr Bhasikiti held several senior posts.
The party expelled him following glaring proof that he had linked up with ex-vice president Joice Mujuru’s camp, which was threatening to unseat the then president Cde Mugabe.
There was drama in 2015 when Zanu-PF Politburo members toured Moria Farm after Bhasikiti was accused of cutting down the citrus plantation on the farm due to disgruntlement over his expulsion from the party.
Mr Bhasikiti recently said some jealous politicians in Masvingo province were after his investments instead of participating in meaningful development.
“They lie to people about me. Instead of developing communities, they engage in unnecessary mudslinging,” charged Mr Bhasikiti. Herald Reporter
THE Zimbabwe National War Veterans’ Association has embarked on a countrywide programme to mobilise its 60 000 members to participate in the anti-sanctions day scheduled for October 25.
The day was set aside by Sadc countries after they decided to take a stand against illegal sanctions imposed on the country through various activities in their respective countries.
Some SADC member states such as South Africa have already started conducting marches in support of Zimbabwe’s anti-sanction drive.
In an interview yesterday, the party’s Secretary for Welfare Services for War Veterans, War Collaborators, Ex-Political Prisoners, Detainees and Restrictees, Cde Douglas Mahiya said they were mobilising their members to ensure they part of the day’s activities.
“The region has already started marching against sanctions,” he said. “We are expecting about 60 000 members to take part at the event from all the country’s 10 provinces.”
Cde Mahiya said he was going to embark on a nationwide tour to re-engage the war veterans in the fight against the illegal sanctions.
“In actual fact, as the Secretary of the War Veterans, I am going to use the third leg of my tour to reorganise the war veterans to fight the sanctions in our own way,” he said.
“I have been to Masvingo, Manicaland, Mashonaland West, Lupane and Gwanda and I am left with three or so provinces. So, the whole idea is to ensure that together with the masses we reorganise.
“Our erstwhile enemies have moved a gear up in their efforts to strangle African governments that were put in place through liberation wars waged especially in Sadc countries. The former colonisers are now using sanctions to suffocate African governments.”