By Itai Mazire
ZANU PF Manicaland Province has thrown its weight behind co-option of Presidential Advisor Dr Paul Tungwarara into the ruling party’s Central Committee, insisting the businessman and philanthropist remains the provinces preferred choice.
This follows the issuing of a circular by the party’s National Political Commissar Cde Munyaradzi Machacha on Thursday directing the provincial leadership to reverse Dr Tungwarara’s recent co-option, into ZANU PF’s highest decision-making body between Conferences.
In the circular, Cde Machacha declared the December 7 co-option of Dr Tungwarara “nullified with immediate effect,” arguing the process violated internal procedures which require a replacement to come from the same administrative district as the outgoing member.
However, senior party officials in Manicaland insisted that the province stands by its decision.
“Our position has not changed,” a senior provincial executive member told this publication.
“Dr Tungwarara was endorsed by the Provincial Coordinating Committee, and as Manicaland we still regard him as our most capable and united choice. That remains our official stance.”
Another high-ranking provincial official said the province felt the national directive was “premature.”
“We respect the Commissariat, yes, but the province has the right to recommend someone who commands respect and support on the ground,” the official said.
“Dr Tungwarara is that person. The people of Manicaland spoke, and we will not pretend otherwise.”
A third provincial leader described the commissariat’s decision as “a misunderstanding that needs dialogue.”
“Manicaland is clear: Dr Tungwarara is still our preferred candidate,” the official said.
“We believe this can be resolved internally without undermining the will of the province.”
The province is now expected to engage national leadership.
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