Last month, sources told The Zimbabwean that Zanu (PF) activists in Uzumba had embarked on a mission to flush out MDC-T members who had defied an order to surrender their party regalia after losing the elections.
Last week, sources said food, healthcare and basic public services were being denied to MDC-T supporters as punishment for their political affiliation.
In an interview with The Zimbabwean, Mudarikwa implored his supporters to practice tolerance.
“I would like to encourage peace and political tolerance and I would also want to encourage other institutions like churches to play a role in preaching the gospel of peace in the country. We want to change the mindset of our people and tell them that they should be able to work together for the development of this country,” said Mudarikwa.
Mudarikwa said that it was wrong for farming inputs and food to be distributed along party lines as every Zimbabwean was entitled to benefit.
“The distribution of fertiliser, seed or food is a government programme and everyone should benefit regardless of political affiliation. The bottom line is that these programmes are for Zimbabweans and everyone, whether MDC-T or Zanu (PF), must benefit,” he said.
Mudarikwa dismissed claims that Zanu (PF) used dirty tactics to win the elections in Uzumba.
Losing MDC-T parliamentary candidate for Uzumba, Peckson Kazingizi, is on record saying that his supporters were forced to vote with the assistance of Zanu (PF) officials and intimidation was rife.
Mudarikwa however attributed Zanu (PF)’s victory to its election promises.
“Zanu (PF), as a party of the people, had a powerful manifesto that was accepted by the people, whereas others were only saying that our friends from Europe will come and assist you. Other than that, there is nothing else we can attribute our victory to,” said Mudarikwa.
He implored his party members to drop their militant attitude towards MDC-T supporters, saying this would block Zanu (PF)’s efforts to woo the opposition.
“For Zanu (PF) to grow, we must go out and reach out to the MDC-T guys and explain to them that Zanu (PF) is the party for the people. We should be able to work with them in the hope that, one day, we will be celebrating their return to Zanu (PF),” said Mudarikwa.
Post published in: News