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Cde Naison Khutshwekhaya Ndlovu

Nduduzo Tshuma Senior Political Reporter— 
ZANU-PF politburo member Cde Naison Khutshwekhaya Ndlovu could be rethinking his decision not to enter the race for the party’s second vice presidency, despite initially declaring that he was no longer interested in the top post. This comes in the wake of reported pressure from colleagues in the party who feel Cde Ndlovu, a former PF-Zapu top official, is the right candidate considering his seniority.

From a previous definitive ‘no’ to throwing himself in the ring, Cde Ndlovu yesterday appeared to be reconsidering his earlier stance.
Cde Ndlovu said he would be able to commit one way or the other “in a week or so”, but added: “There has been a lot of stampeding recently leading to a lot of confusion.

“The President has not yet declared the vacancy, so I can’t say much at the moment, except that I’m still consulting. If anything comes up, I’ll let you know.”

Cde Ndlovu last month told this paper that he was no longer interested in the VP post after his unsuccessful bid in 2009 where he was beaten by the late Cde John Nkomo.

“I had put my name previously, and I didn’t make it. Now, I’m no longer interested in the post. I’m more interested in seeing proper procedures being taken in selecting the country’s VP,” said Cde Ndlovu then.

Cde Ndlovu was at the time commenting against party members issuing what he said were premature and misleading statements on the VP vacancy.

His remarks followed Zanu-PF politburo member and Matabeleland South Provincial Minister of State Cde Abedinico Ncube’s declaration that the province supported national chairman Cde Simon Khaya Moyo to land the post.

Senior party officials yesterday told Chronicle that there were senior party figures who were pushing for Cde Ndlovu’s candidacy.
If Cde Ndlovu confirms his participation in the race, he would join Cde Khaya Moyo who has already earned a front-runner tag.

Other contenders for the post include Home Affairs Minister Cde Kembo Mohadi, who declared his interest over the weekend, as well as Zimbabwe’s former Ambassador to South Africa, Cde Phelekezela Mphoko.

Former Zipra chief of staff Cde Ambrose Mutinhiri recently said he was still consulting on whether or not to contest.