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Walter Nyamukondiwa Chinhoyi Bureau
ZANU-PF should remain united and focus more on developmental issues as guided by the ZimAsset economic blueprint under the stewardship of President Robert Mugabe, the party’s secretary for administration Ignatius Chombo has said.

Addressing thousands of people at victory celebrations for Hurungwe West legislator Cde Keith Guzah at Kaspikiri business centre in Hurungwe at the weekend, Chombo said the party should pull in one direction.

“As Zanu-PF, we should sing the same song, from the same hymn book, with the same tune and led by the same choir master. We don’t want many choir masters because some create discord while others can’t sing altogether,” said Chombo.

“Let’s have unity in the party. Let’s work together in the party and have unity of purpose. We’ve one leader who is President Mugabe.”

He said the party does not need many “side theatres” which distract it from its goals.

Zanu-PF has been embroiled in factional fights that have seen members focusing on outdoing each other in mudslinging.

Turning to Zimbabwe People First led by ousted Vice President Joice Mujuru, Chombo said it was a hotchpotch of “rejected politicians”.

“Zimbabwe People First is a grouping of rejected politicians who need somewhere to while up time. They’re inconsequential to Zanu-PF. As party members you should know that the party is there and it’s strong,” said Chombo.

He thanked people of Hurungwe West constituency for their loyalty to the party and voting for Zanu-PF candidate Cde Guzah to upstage expelled former legislator Temba Mliswa.

Cde Guzah said Zanu-PF is bigger than any individual and people should tow the party line.

“If I deviate from the ideals of the party, you as members shouldn’t follow me. Don’t follow an individual but the party.

“Temba Mliswa had lost direction and had to be expelled from the party,” said Cde Guzah.

Mashonaland West provincial chairman Cde Ephraim Chengeta reiterated Cde Guzah’s call saying expulsion from Zanu-PF is a one way ticket to political oblivion.

“Zanu-PF is a strong party with a strong President. Whoever leaves Zanu-PF would have fast tracked their end politically.”

The celebrations were attended by thousands of people including Hurungwe East legislator Cde Sarah Mahoka, Makonde women’s quota representative Cde Jennifer Mhlanga and provincial secretary for administration Cde Simbarashe Ziyambi, among others.