Mashonaland West ZANU PF provincial chairperson Mary Mliswa-Chikoka has criticised party officials, including parliamentarians from the province, for failing to attend key events, particularly those officiated by President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
In a letter to the provincial leadership following the recent graduation ceremony at Chinhoyi University of Technology (CUT), Mliswa-Chikoka expressed disappointment over the poor turnout.
Apart from Women’s Affairs, Community and SMEs Deputy Minister Jennifer Mhlanga, no senior figures were present to represent the province.
The provincial chairperson singled out Members of Parliament and ZANU PF central committee members, who were noticeably absent despite having received invitations.
President Mnangagwa was in Chinhoyi last Thursday for the 21st CUT graduation ceremony, where he capped 3,130 graduands. Wrote Mliswa-Chikoka:
“What message are you sending when you deliberately absent yourselves from events graced by the first secretary of our party?
“How can we take seriously those who campaign aggressively to attend the [ZANU PF] people’s conference, yet show no commitment to supporting the President’s programmes in their own province (sic)?”
Mliswa-Chikoka stressed that attending presidential events is a fundamental obligation for party officials, not a favour.
She added that participation in such gatherings demonstrates loyalty and political awareness, while absenteeism risks creating divisions and fuelling speculation within party structures.
The provincial chairperson further warned that complacency and silent sabotage would not be tolerated. She said:
“The time is coming to name and shame those whose conduct is undermining the values, unity and authority of ZANU PF from within.”
Notable absentees from the invited Makonde central committee and district coordinating committee members included Phineas Makumbe, Thomas Chidzomba, Christine Gwati, Precious Masango, Tapera Mtovido, Elisha Bhokoro, Archy Ganizani and Rudo Munyonga.
The only member to formally submit an apology was Politburo member Douglas Mombeshora, who was away on government business.
More: NewsDay
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