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Nqobile Tshili, Chronicle Correspondent
ZANU-PF Matabeleland South has pledged its support for President Mugabe saying the one centre of power principle should be upheld.

The province said the need to continue with having only one centre of power is part of its resolutions that it will table at the revolutionary party’s 16th Annual National People’s Conference in Masvingo this week.

Zanu-PF Matabeleland South Cde Rabelani Choeni yesterday said the province was raring to go and has completed its accreditation process.

“The people supported the once centre of power as per the previous congress. And as Matabeleland South we stand for that. We’re behind the President and we don’t see any changes any time soon. We don’t want to be found different from other provinces,” Cde Choeni.

He said the province will not follow those who are lost by seeking to change that position.

Acting Mashonaland Central provincial chairman, Cde Dickson Mafios came under fire recently after he called for an amendment to the party constitution to remove President Mugabe’s powers to pick his deputies, a decision that was widely seen as an attempt to abrogate the one centre of power principle.

After coming under attack, the province climbed down.

The conference which begins tomorrow will be held under the theme “Moving with ZimAsset in Peace and Unity.  At least 5 000 people are expected to attend the  conference.

Cde Choeni declined to reveal how much the province has raised as its contribution to the hosting of the conference, but said they had mobilised maize meal.

A prominent miner in West Nicholson, Mr Trynos Nkomo donated five tonnes of maize meal, 800kg of beef and hired a truck to move them to Masvingo.

“We’ve already sent five tonnes of maize to Masvingo and we’re prepared and are finalising on the pledges.  We’re expecting others to bring their pledges tomorrow (today). By end of day tomorrow we will know how much we would have raised,” said Cde Choeni.

He hailed those who made contributions despite the challenges in the province.

“We are facing difficulties in Matabeleland South.  Cattle are dying and there is hunger but people tried by all means to give the little that could,” he said.

— @nqotshili