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Pamela Shumba Senior Reporter
ZANU-PF leaders from Matabeleland should openly discuss the vice presidency issue in time to allow party members to identify suitable candidates ahead of the December elective congress, Chief Pashu of Binga District has said.Contributing to the on-going debate on who should succeed the late Vice President Landa John Nkomo who died in January last year, Chief Pashu, a former Zanu-PF Politburo, Central Committee and National Consultative Assembly member said those interested in the post should come out in the open and let party members discuss their credentials.

He said he supported national chairman Cde Simon Khaya Moyo’s candidature to land the post.

“I want to add my support to the promotion of the party national chairman to the position of Vice President in line with the Unity Accord. There is precedence that has been going on in the appointment of VP and there is no reason to oppose that decision,” said Chief Pashu.

“The advantages of this arrangement are that it cements the Unity Accord, resolves inside conflicts and closes out chancers that would create disharmony within the party and the country as a whole.”

The outspoken chief urged the party’s leadership in the region to discuss the issue and make a decision while there was still time.

“While it is important for the party to comply with precedence, the region should be prepared to discuss and make a decision while there’s still time. Those that want to contest should come out in the open so that we analyse characters while there’s still time,” he said.

Cde Khaya Moyo has refused to be drawn to comment on the issue although party cadres such as Cdes Andrew Langa and Abedinico Ncube have openly declared their support for him.

Retired Colonel Tshinga Dube, former Matabeleland South provincial war veterans’ chairman Cde Jabulani Phetshu, Cde Naison Khutshwekhaya Ndlovu and Cde Richard Ndlovu have aired divergent views over the issue. Former Zimbabwe Ambassador to South Africa Cde Phelekezela Mphoko and ex-Zipra commander Retired Brigadier General Ambrose Mutinhiri have said they will come up with their positions on the matter.