SYDNEY MUBAIWA
MASVINGO-The Zanu-PF Masvingo provincial leadership has ordered its members to delete all WhatsApp Groups linked to the ruling party with immediate effect.
Zanu-PF Masvingo provincial spokesperson Pepukai Chiwewe confirmed the development.
He said the order to disband the WhatsApp Groups came from the party’s resolution during a Provincial Coordinating Committee (PCC) meeting held last Saturday.
Chiwewe said the provincial leadership led by Senator Robson Mavhenyengwa has taken a strong stance against rogue WhatsApp Groups that are causing confusion and indiscipline within the party.
“Addressing PCC members Hon Senator Mavhenyengwa directed the immediate closure of these groups, emphasizing on the need for unity and discipline among party members.
“Some WhatsApp Groups are keen on spreading misinformation, fueling infighting, which undermine the party and its leadership. It was noted that some people are still discussing resolutions which were sealed at the annual people’s conference in Bulawayo last year instead of discussing how these resolutions can be implemented,” he said.
Chiwewe said party members were implored to unite ahead of the implementation of the party resolutions passed at the National People’s Conference last year.
Addressing the first PCC meeting at Masvingo Polytechnic College, Mavhenyengwa said the party was going to take disciplinary action against those who violate the party’s constitution.
“Our constitution is very clear when it comes to issues of indiscipline and loyalty to the party.
“We are a party of principle and ideology as such we ought to follow our constitution and do exactly what is expected of us. It is never the party’s intention to expel its members but when there is violation then action has to be taken,” he said.
He however, said that a councillor, MP, DCC and provincial executive can have WhatsApp groups that will have senior party members to monitor discipline and guide discussions.
The closure of these WhatsApp Groups comes at a time when the ruling party is embroiled in factional fighting over the presidential term limits with some party members calling President Mnangagwa to go beyond the constitutional term limit until 2030.
While another faction believed to be aligned to Vice President Rtd Gen Chiwenga is strongly opposed to the idea and pushing for him to take over.
