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Nqobile Tshili, Chronicle Correspondent
ZANU-PF Matabeleland provinces have stepped up preparations ahead of the party’s special congress slated for next week with Matabeleland South Province endorsing Cde Emmerson Mnangagwa presidential candidature for the 2018 elections.

Matabeleland South resolved this on Sunday during a provincial coordinating committee (PCC) meeting.

The provincial chairperson Cde Rabelani Choeni said the party was happy with recent political developments which saw Cde Mnangagwa being elevated to the party’s First Secretary and country’s President.

President Mnangagwa’s appointment among other Central Committee resolutions will be ratified during the Special Congress.

Cde Choeni said Matabeleland South will rally behind Cde Mnangagwa for the 2018 presidential elections.

“We resolved that President Mnangagwa is our 2018 presidential candidate. We are also behind the action that was taken by the Zimbabwe Defence Forces and we thank them for executing their operation without violence. We also want to thank the people of Zimbabwe for their peaceful marches,” said Cde Choeni.

He said the province has also resolved that no member linked to the G40 faction will be fired.

“We resolved that we will not fire anyone from the party. But individuals who were implicated will have to relinquish their positions and remain at cell level (ordinary card carrying members). Some of the comrades that have to leave their post include vice chairman Cde Saul Mahalima Ncube and political commissar Cde Christopher Masuku, Vumani and Siphethokuhle from the Youth League. At the moment I don’t have the full list of the people who should relinquish their positions,” said Cde Choeni.

He said the province has already organised necessary resources ahead of the Special Congress.

Matabeleland North provincial chairperson Cde Richard Moyo said his provincial leadership is set to come up with its resolutions over the weekend.