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Pamela Shumba Senior Reporter
DEBATE on the Zanu-PF vice-presidency took a new twist yesterday with two politburo members from Matabeleland South accusing some ex-Zipra cadres of announcing their preferred candidates before procedures are followed.Former top PF-Zapu official, Cde Naison Khutshwekhaya Ndlovu added his voice to the ongoing discussion on the possible successors to the late VP Landa John Nkomo who died in January last year, saying party members should stop issuing what he said were premature and misleading statements on the issue.

Another politburo member, Cde Richard Ndlovu said it was wrong for members to start campaigning for the vacant VP’s post as the party had not sanctioned any canvassing.

Cde Khutshwekhaya Ndlovu said that it was misleading to conclude that it was now a done deal that anyone was assured of the VP post.

“The race for the VP post has not yet been declared open. The Unity Accord is very clear on this and states that the most senior person in former PF-Zapu ascends to the position or competes for the position with other former senior members,” he said.

“It’s not an individual decision but a collective decision by the provincial co-ordinating committees (PCCs) to make nominations at the right time. Therefore no one should speak on behalf of anyone unless sanctioned to do so by the PCCs. We want to avoid misleading people.”

His remarks follow Zanu-PF politburo member and Matabeleland South Provincial Minister of State Cde Abedinico Ncube’s declaration on Saturday that the province supported national chairman Cde Simon Khaya Moyo to land the post.

Cde Khutshwekhaya Ndlovu said the PCCs had not come up with a candidate and it was premature to start talking of potential candidates. “If individuals make statements to the effect that there is no seniority line up in the former PF-Zapu, then clearly they lack understanding of the Unity Accord and should therefore revisit it”.

We are not aware of the PCCs having come up with a candidate,” he said adding, “We therefore advise that at this stage it is premature to start talking of potential candidates for the VP post. It is important that the issue is handled according to the procedures as laid out in the Unity Accord.”

Former Zimbabwe Ambassador to South Africa Cde Phelekezela Mphoko and ex-Zipra commander Retired Brigadier General Ambrose Mutinhiri have expressed interest in taking up the post.  They are likely to battle it out with Cde Khaya Moyo who has refused to declare interest but is regarded as a front-runner.

Last week Zanu-PF spokesperson Cde Rugare Gumbo said President Mugabe will have the final say on the matter and urged calm among members.

Earlier on politburo member Retired Col Tshinga Dube called on cadres to avoid jostling for the vacant post, saying it was clear from the Zanu-PF hierarchy who would land it.

Cde Khutshwekhaya Ndlovu said it was not the first time the VP post had fallen vacant.

“It started off with VP Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo then VP Joseph Msika. Accordingly President Mugabe directed provinces to nominate candidates for the post,” he said.

“In the past, all those who have held the VP post were senior members of the PF-Zapu as outlined by the Unity Accord.”

Cde Khutshwekhaya Ndlovu said he was not interested in the post although he previously was.

“I had put my name previously and I didn’t make it but now I am no longer interested in the post. I am more interested in seeing proper procedures being taken in selecting the country’s VP,” he said.

Cde Richard Ndlovu concurred saying party members should follow procedures and avoid confusing people.

“We’re not fighting anyone but we want to make it clear that it is wrong for people to campaign for the post when there’s no directive to do so.

“We must take cognisance of the hierachy and avoid making public statements, especially in the media. No individual speaks for the other until the time to do so comes,” he said.

Bulawayo Zanu-PF member, Cde George Mlala accused party leaders of using “wrong platforms” to make announcements about the VP post.

“The party policy is clear. When the time comes PPCs will make nominations and chairpersons of all the provinces will announce the names chosen by party members,” he said.

“It is not proper for people to use wrong platforms to make all sorts of announcements about the VP post. We know the procedures and it’s important to follow them.”