FORMER chairman of Zanu PF’s disbanded District Coordinating Committee (DCC) in Umguza Richard Moyo has won the party’s Matabeleland North provincial chairmanship after his rival Patrick Utete conceded defeat before the conclusion of the polls.
Report by Nduduzo Tshuma Staff Reporter Announcing the results at the party’s provincial offices in Lupane, Zanu PF national political commissar Webster Shamu said Utete conceded defeat after 139 out of the party’s 181 districts had cast their votes.Shamu announced that at the time Utete threw in the towel, Moyo, who is believed to be an ally of Mines and Mining Development minister and Umguza legislator Obert Mpofu had garnered 6 689 votes while his rival had only managed a paltry 674.
He said only 7 415 party cadres cast their votes out of a population of 18 860 members.
“Utete graciously conceded defeat with 43 wards remaining in a move showing political maturity,” Shamu said.
“On behalf of the party, I would like to commend the people and leadership of Matabeleland North for conducting themselves in a peaceful and orderly manner.”
He urged Moyo to be loyal to President Robert Mugabe and to conduct himself in a fair and transparent manner.
“You are now chairman for those who voted you and those who did not, they all belong to you now,” Shamu said.
Moyo’s victory flies in the face of Matabeleland North governor and former acting chairperson Thokozile Mathuthu who had reportedly campaigned for Utete.
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In his acceptance speech, Moyo said he would work towards retaining seats lost by the party to the two MDCs.
He commended Mathuthu for smoothly running the province and ensuring orderly elections.
“This is not about me winning or Utete losing but the party has won,” Moyo said.
Meanwhile, Moyo’s supporters, believed to have been bused from all over the province, burst into song before announcement of the results.
The elections were witnessed by senior police, intelligence and army chiefs from the province.
Meanwhile, Zanu PF Bulawayo provincial member Josiah Thwala who died in a road accident last week, was buried at the Bulawayo Provincial Heroes Acre in Nkulumane yesterday.
Hundreds of people, including Zanu PF politburo member Sikhanyiso Ndlovu, attended the burial
