The suspension of Zanu PF Matabeleland North acting chairperson Zwelitsha Masuku continues to be mired in confusion following revelations that the time span allowed before a party member is taken for a disciplinary hearing had lapsed.
According to party insiders, Masuku, who was suspended last November, was supposed to be taken for a disciplinary hearing 21 days after his suspension as per party regulations.
“When a provincial member is suspended, it is expected that they are taken for a hearing after 21 days, but nothing has happened to date. The other confusing aspect is that Masuku was suspended by a member of the national executive yet it was supposed to be done by the province,” said a party insider.
Confusion on the Masuku issue became apparent at Mines and Mining Development minister Obert Mpofu’s graduation and 60th birthday celebrations in Nyamandlovu recently when Youth and Indigenisation minister Saviour Kasukuwere recognised Masuku as acting provincial chairperson.
The party’s central committee report released in Bulawayo in December last year also recognised Masuku as acting provincial chairperson.
It also emerged that former provincial chairperson Headman Moyo, who had been appointed to replace Masuku, was not eager to take over the chairmanship.
“It appears he is not that keen on taking over the position as it is viewed in some circles as a demotion. Moyo is a substantive member of the central committee while provincial party chairpersons are only ex-officio members of the party’s arm,” said a Zanu PF insider.
Moyo did not turn up for the party’s provincial executive council meeting in Lupane on January 28.
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“He was supposed to chair the meeting, but he did not turn up. No excuse was given for his absence. Party secretary for administration Clifford Sibanda initially chaired the meeting, but later handed over to committee member Robert Tshuma.”
Party sources said Masuku could be a victim of a tussle between minister Mpofu and party chairman Simon Khaya Moyo over control of Zanu PF structures in the region.
Masuku declined to comment on the matter yesterday while Moyo could not be reached on his mobile phone.
