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Cde Khaya Moyo

Prosper Ndlovu Senior Reporter
ZANU-PF is ready for primary elections with the National Election Directorate (NED) yesterday releasing names of candidates who will contest the internal polls on Monday. In an interview from Harare, Zanu-PF National Chairman and head of the NED Cde Simon Khaya Moyo said the candidates could now proceed with campaigns in preparation for the primaries.

“We are satisfied with the verification of candidates. It was a labourious exercise but worth it.
“The calibre of candidates reflect that the party stands for the good of this country as clearly demonstrated by its policies and programmes, which are people centred,” said Cde Khaya Moyo.

“There is no doubt that with such tested cadres throughout the country we are poised for a thunderous victory come harmonised elections.
“I therefore urge all candidates to go flat out in their campaigns but there must be no use of money to buy support.”

Cde Khaya Moyo said corruption and use of money were evils, which the revolutionary party could not tolerate.
He encouraged party members to participate fully in the primary elections and ensure that the process was conducted in a peaceful manner.

Cde Khaya Moyo said although most prospective contestants were approved, a few names were disqualified during the verification process.
“There were few disqualifications, which we    looked at and one or two were re-admitted to    the process but certainly others were disqualified,” he said.

According to the final list a majority of the party’s senior leadership was nominated unopposed.
Among them are Senatorial candidates in Matabeleland South, Cdes Khaya Moyo (Bulilima-Mangwe), Naison Khutshwekhaya Ndlovu (Insiza) and Abigail Damasane (Umzingwane).

In Bulawayo Cdes Angeline Masuku and Absalom Sikhosana were also nominated unopposed for Senatorial posts in Khumalo and Mabutweni constituencies respectively.

In Matabeleland North National Assembly candidates Cdes Obert Mpofu Umguza), Professor Jonathan Moyo (Tsholotsho North) were unopposed.
Cde Emmerson Mnangagwa was nominated unopposed for the National Assembly in Chirumanzu/Zibagwe constituency in the Midlands province while Cde Flora Buka also sailed unchallenged for the Senate in Gokwe North.

In Masvingo Cde Walter Mzembi was nominated unopposed for the National Assembly in Masvingo South.
However, some senior leaders including serving parliamentarians would compete with fellow candidates in the primaries.

In the Masvingo Senate seat, Cde Dzikamai Mavhaire is being challenged by Cdes Maina Mandava and Clemence Magwarimba.
Former Masvingo Governor Cde Josiah Hungwe, Cde Samuel Mumbengegwi and Cde Rexon Jaka would battle it out for Chivi/Mwenenzi Senate seat.

Cde Munyaradzi Paul Mangwana will face Cde Meke Chamwadoro and Cde Efraim Gwanangodza for Chivi Central seat in the National Assembly.
Masvingo Governor Cde Titus Maluleke will battle it out with five other candidates in Chiredzi West.
Mwenezi East MP Cde Kudakwashe Bhasikiti faces two other contestants.

In Bulawayo Dr Sikhanyiso Ndlovu will have to shrug off the challenge of Cdes Joseph Tshuma and Peter Mvemve for Pelandaba-Mpopoma seat with provincial chairman Professor Callistus Ndlovu battling it out with Emson Masuku and Davidson Mpakarima for the Kumalo Senate seat.

Retired Colonel Tshinga Dube will square off with Cde Peter Baka Nyoni for the Makokoba seat. In Matabeleland South political heavyweight Cde Kembo Mohadi would face Cdes Philemon Mbedzi, Johane Ndou and Lawrence Tshili for Beitbridge East National Assembly seat while Insiza North MP and provincial chairman Cde Andrew Langa would face stiff challenge from Cdes Patrick Hove and Gibson Siziba.

Beitbridge Senator Tambudzani Mohadi would have to settle it out with Cde Ruth Maboyi, the wife of Zimbabwe’s Ambassador to Egypt, Dr Aaron Maboyi Ncube  and Loshani Lloyd Siyoka.

In the Midlands it would be a tug of war between heavy weights Cdes Rugare Ngidi Gumbo and July Moyo for the Mberengwa Senate seat.
Foreign Affairs Minister Cde Simbarashe Mumbengegwi would battle it out with two other candidates for Shurugwi/Zvishavane Senate seat.

In Matabeleland North Cde Thokozile Mathuthu will face six candidates for the Hwange Senate seat with Cde Cain Mathema set to race against three female candidates for Tsholotsho Senate constituency. He is being challenged by former Senator for the area, Cdes Josephine Moyo, Alice Dube and Maria Sithole.

Bubi-Umguza Senator Lot Mbambo would contest with provincial chairman Cde Richard Moyo and Cde Medeline Bhebhe.
Bubi MP Cde Clifford Sibanda would face Cdes Sonny Mguni and Cecil Mathambo while Nkayi North MP Cde Sithembiso Nyoni is being challenged by Cde Maplot Donga.

Lupane East MP Cde Martin Khumalo would get into the ring with Cde Goodman Sibanda.
Among the candidates who are new are the late Vice President Landa John Nkomo’s son Jabulani for Tsholotsho South National Assembly, Cde Hilario Ngulube, a Hwange businessman and former Air Force officer and Reserve Bank worker  who is eyeing Hwange East and Dr Gatsha Mazithulela, an academic gunning for the Bulawayo East National  Assembly seat.

Another new entrant is former Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) public relations manager, Cde Cecilia Dubiwa, formerly Bhebhe, who wants Gwanda Central.