Lovemore Mataire and David Shumba
Newly appointed Zanu-PF Politburo members have hailed the appointments made by President Mugabe yesterday, saying the executive is geared towards delivering on the party’s electoral promises.
In an interview soon after their appointments at a Central Committee meeting at the party headquarters in Harare, some of the Politburo members said their main task was to work on the economy.
Speaking on his appointment as secretary for administration, Cde Ignatius Chombo said he was humbled by the appointment, which came in the wake of a major shake-up of the party.
Cde Chombo said his major task was to ensure that the party remained united and focused on issues to do with economic delivery.
“The party is heading in the good direction,” he said. “What has happened has rejuvenated the party to the extent that we feel invigorated to work for the party and ensure that we deliver on our promises.
“I think the new Politburo has a good mix of people, which I think augurs well for a hands-on team that should focus more on action and less talk.”
Cde Chombo said all members that have not been appointed into the Politburo should continue working for the party if they are genuine cadres.
Secretary for security Cde Kembo Mohadi said while issues of security were not for public consumption, he would work hard to ensure that the revolutionary party was not infiltrated by external forces bent on dividing and weakening it.
“We are going to look at the issue of security and ensure that we plug all the holes that may be entrance points for divisive external forces,” he said.
“I am confident that after this shake-up, everyone would want to work hard for the good of the party.”
Cde Mohadi said he was humbled by his appointment given his background in intelligence during the liberation struggle.
The new secretary for education, Cde Joram Gumbo said his appointment came as a surprise as he least expected it.
He, however, said that it was because of his loyalty to the party and leadership that President Mugabe saw it fit to appoint him into the Politburo.
“As the secretary for education, I will do my best in using my own personal experience in executing my duties,” said Cde Gumbo.
“I have been personally empowering myself since the attainment of my first degree in 1971. I later attained another degree with UNISA before graduating from the Midlands State University. Myself and Cde Obert Mpofu were the first people to be holders of a PHD in Policy Studies from the Zimbabwe Open University.”
Secretary for health, child welfare and the elderly Cde Cleveria Chizema said she was excited about the appointment and never expected that President Mugabe would consider her for the post.
“I am looking forward to a real Politburo,” she said. “Before, the Politburo used to discuss personal and provocative issues, but now we are going to make discussions that benefit the party.
“I was not expecting to be appointed to the health portfolio, but I will do my best to serve the party and the people in that field to help improve health delivery to the majority.”
Secretary for finance Cde Obert Mpofu said he will be dedicated to moving forward the party programmes.
“It’s a recognition of what we have been doing in ensuring the party programmes are fulfilled, sustained and financed,” he said.
“There is no doubt that it will be a different Politburo.
“{We do not believe in failure and the party will not be the same.”