PRESIDENT of the Progressive Teachers’ Union of Zimbabwe (PTUZ), Takavafira Zhou, has set his sight on contesting the Mberengwa North parliamentary seat on an MDC-T ticket if he wins the party’s forthcoming primary elections. Staff Reporter
Zhou confirmed his political interests in an interview with NewsDay on Wednesday.
“It was family pressure, lobbying by a wide VaRemba community and other people at large that enticed me,” Zhou said.
“I have been resisting all along, but this time they cornered me. While our family played a crucial role in the liberation struggle, we have nothing to show for this.”
Mberengwa North constituency fell vacant following the death of Zanu PF legislator Jabulani Mangena last month.
Zhou is set to lock horns with four other MDC-T members, Lewellin Sibanda, Cleopas Shiri, Jabusile Shumba and Violet Mzezewa in the primary elections likely to be held next month.
MDC-T spokesperson Douglas Mwonzora has said party regulations on primary elections will allow for exceptions and take into account civic society members and journalists who have not been in structures, but want to contest as MPs and councillors.
