Zanu PF national chairman Simon Khaya Moyo has admitted that party officials are using money to fuel factionalism and buy votes ahead of elections expected next year.
Report by Nqobani Ndlovu Staff Reporter
Although Khaya Moyo did not mention names, Mines minister Obert Mpofu has been holding rallies throughout Matabeleland North where he has been dishing out maize handouts.
The Zanu PF chairman told a Zanu PF Matabeleland South provincial conference at the Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo Polytechnic in Gwanda at the weekend that there was “too much infighting” in the party.
“We are stepping on each other’s toes,” he said.
“We also have a problem in some provinces where some members of the politburo are acting like kings and taking over the running of provinces.
“That is unconstitutional. Let’s respect each other and let’s not abuse our positions in the party.
“Those in leadership positions should lead by example.”
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Mpofu has boasted that he is the “King” in Matabeleland because he is the only highest-ranking Zanu PF leader who was elected in previous parliamentary elections.
Earlier on, Khaya Moyo had addressed another Zanu PF meeting at Stanley Square in Bulawayo where he castigated party officials engaged in vote-buying, saying it was not right to treat the electorate as commodities.
“We should shun this practice. There are people who go about buying votes, buying support. People are not yours. You do not own anyone,” he said.
“God is the only one who owns people. You might own your donkey, cow or chicken, but not people.”
Last month, Mpofu described himself as the strongest politician in Matabeleland North. He dismissed other party leaders as mere appointees who should not be taken seriously. Mpofu made the remarks at a campaign rally in Dinde, Hwange Central constituency.
He also bragged about his Umguza constituency, which he described as “a one-party state”. Mpofu has come under fire from the MDC formations for dishing out maize and other goodies at his campaign rallies throughout Matabeleland North.
But the former Matabeleland North governor yesterday said Khaya Moyo was not referring to him, but was making a general statement.
“Why do you want us to fight?” he said. “It was a general comment directed to all politburo members. I am not the only politburo member in the party. “He made the statements as a national chairman of our party and the statements are expected from him.” Khaya Moyo could not be reached for comment on who his remarks were directed at.
