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Dr Obert Mpofu

Patrick Chitumba Senior Reporter
ZANU-PF Politburo member, Dr Obert Mpofu has said indiscipline in Bulawayo Province is to blame for the party’s dismal performance in successive general polls.Zanu-PF has hardly won any parliamentary seat in Bulawayo since the then united MDC started participating in elections in 2000.

Dr Mpofu said this was mainly due to indiscipline and endless infighting in the province.

At one time the infighting saw Davies Hall, Zanu PF’s Bulawayo Provincial headquarters’ being nicknamed ‘Devils Hall’ by some party members due to the political fights which were emanating from there.

On Sunday, Dr Mpofu said a paltry 30,000 party members voted for Zanu-PF in last year’s harmonised elections when other provinces performed well. “Election results in Bulawayo show that only 30,000 members voted for the party. That is about two to three districts yet the province has 180-200 districts,” he said.

He said Umguza District had more members voting for Zanu-PF as compared to Bulawayo as a province.

“Is that right ma-comrades? Please let’s assist our party in this province. Umguza District, which has less wards as compared to Bulawayo, did exceptionally well and we should emulate what’s good for the benefit of the party,” said Dr Mpofu.

He also called upon Politburo members in the province to ask for assistance from Politburo members from other provinces to solve any problems that may arise.

“You Politburo members allow others to come and assist you. Even at home you can ask your neighbour how he is doing good things,” he said referring to Politburo members present who included Cdes Sikhanyiso Ndlovu, Absalom Sikhosana and Eunice Nomthandazo Moyo.

Dr Mpofu said there was need to put proper structures in the province.

“We want proper structures here and we will come to assist you put them. We want discipline, discipline, discipline,” he said.

Dr Mpofu said the province had the potential to do better politically and economically if the people worked together. “If there’s discipline, Bulawayo iyaduma (can do wonders),” he said.

He said party members should not claim to respect and honour President Mugabe when they fail to respect authority.

He said in case of disputes, Zanu-PF had internal processes to be followed.

Dr Mpofu called upon party members to read and understand the party’s Constitution for them to do things that are in line with the revolutionary party.

“If we continue behaving like this, we will kill the party. We’re saying fix your province; put your house in order. We all want to assist Bulawayo,” he said.