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Tshinga Dube

Nqobile Tshili Chronicle Reporter
ZANU-PF politburo member Retired Colonel Tshinga Dube says ex-Zipra cadres should stop jostling for the vacant vice-presidency post as it is clear from the party’s hierarchy who will land it.His sentiments follow reports that several ex-Zipra lieutenants were eyeing the coveted post left vacant by the passing on of Vice-President Landa John Nkomo who died in January last year.

The ruling party will in December hold its elective national congress where the vacant post is set to be filled.

Speaking on the sidelines of Makokoba-Mzilikazi constituency celebrations in Bulawayo on Sunday Rtd Col Dube said the VP post will be filled by the most senior member among the ex-Zipra veterans. “It’s a done deal. It’s surprising to hear that there are people who are eyeing the post. In the party we have four senior positions. The most senior will land the post,” said Rtd Col Dube.

The ex-Zipra commander said party members should not debate about who is the most senior in the party as it had nothing to do with age but political hierarchy. “If we’re talking about politics we don’t talk about age but positions in the party,” he said.

Zanu-PF national chairman Cde Simon Khaya Moyo, who is also the Senior Minister of State in the President’s Office, has refused to be drawn to comment on the issue although some have tipped him to  land the post judging by his top position in the party hierarchy.

Other hopefuls that are reportedly interested in the VP post include former Zimbabwe Ambassador to South Africa Cde Phelekezela Mphoko and Ex-Zipra commander, Retired Brigadier General Ambrose Mutinhiri.

A debate has been raging on who is likely to land the VP post with Dr Obert Mpofu, the Minister of Transport and Infrastructural Development, himself a politburo member, recently saying he hoped that Cde Khaya Moyo would take up the position, adding that the Matabeleland region was against factionalism.

Dr Mpofu said the region was aware of the party’s protocol and procedures and would rather concentrate on what they could achieve, which was the Vice-Presidency.