Shangaans threaten Zanu (PF)

CHIKOMBEDZI - Disgruntled Shangaan-speaking people in Chiredzi South are seeking audience with Zanu (PF) national party Chairman, John Nkomo to express their concern over what they call the "imposition" of army colonel Callisto Gwanetsa as the party candidate for the area.
This comes against

the background that Colonel Gwanetsa shook his finger at Chief Sengwe shortly after vote-counting in his area recently.
“This has never happened before in our history – to point a finger at a chief. We are not happy with the kind of disrespect showed by Gwanetsa. Complicating the matter, he (Gwanetsa) intends to become our MP but is already threatening original custodians of culture and tradition in this great land. Who is this Gwanetsa in anyway? After all, he was imposed on our people by the Zanu (PF) Masvingo provincial leadership,” said Pikuphele Mugiviza of Chagwaliva.
“If Zanu (PF) does not plant CIO operatives to rig the forthcoming by-election, we are convinced that either Miyethani Chauke or Emmaculate Makondo would win, as they are our true sons and daughters,” he added.
Once viewed as docile and uneducated, the Shangaan-speaking people have threatened to condemn Zanu (PF) to the political dustbin and vote for the opposition in the February 17, 2007 by-election for the seat that fell vacant following the death of Aaron Baloyi last year.
Gwanetsa has accused the people of “tribalism”.
“There is no tribalism. People are worried about their culture, tradition and religion. Remember chiefs, headmen and village heads are our own custodians for culture and tradition and nothing else. If you go to Zimuto or Chivi today, you can’t find a Shangaan who is MP or councillor. The same applies to Beitbridge, Matabeleland, Manicaland, Binga or Chipinge,” said one headmen in Chikombedzi.
The people believe Nkomo understands the dynamics of “culture and traditional values” unlike the party’s Masvingo provincial leadership, who “just ignored the plight of local leaders.
When contacted for comment, Nkomo said he was out of office, so could not comment before referring CAJ News to his secretary in the office. – CAJ News

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