Story by Gay Matambo
OVER 200 opposition members in Chiredzi have defected to ZANU PF, citing the Second Republic’s unprecedented economic development projects as the reason for their switch.
The former opposition members were welcomed at Chitsanga Hall, where they praised ZANU PF for its commitment to advancing the needs and aspirations of the people through various economic and social policies.
“I started politics when I was form five, and I was deeply rooted in opposing the government. I then realised that the Second Republic was advancing several developmental projects in the country, and that is what made us come to ZANU PF,” a returnee said.
“Where we were there was no development whatsoever, not even one borehole. The opposition was only there to criticise the government. We want to thank the government for being led by His Excellency, President Emmerson Mnangagwa. We want to be part of development and not destroy that development.
“I joined MDC in 1994. I supported Tsvangirai. I used to mingle with aspiring political leaders. In 2023, I then realised that there was nothing in opposing the ruling party. I witnessed the development that the Second Republic is implementing in my area in Midlands. That is what enticed me to join the ruling party,” another said.
ZANU PF National Deputy Political Commissar, Cde Webster Shamu, welcomed the new members saying ZANU PF is a party that accommodates everyone willing to participate in the country’s development.
“We are not looking for parallel structures. Everyone is part of the ruling party, and those that are coming are going to be part of that. We don’t want to see a situation whereby one says these ones are the ones who have been around and these ones have just joined. We are all one family. Let us welcome those who are coming with open hands,” he said.
“As you know, we had our heroes, the likes of Cde Muzenda and Cde Takawira, but they are no longer with us. This means one day our time to leave will also come, but what is important is what legacy we are leaving behind. The vision of our President, Cde Emmerson Mnangagwa, is to see a strong ZANU PF-led government, which will continue to prioritise the needs of the people of Zimbabwe.”
The ZANU PF Masvingo Provincial leadership also highlighted some of the developmental projects implemented in the province under the Vision 2030 mantra.
“To date, more than 200 devolution projects were implemented in Masvingo Province. The projects include health care facilities, piped water schemes, irrigation schemes, and more than 200 Village business units. This shows that the Second Republic led by President Mnangagwa has the people at heart,” Masvingo Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Honourable Ezra Chadzamira said.
“As Masvingo Province, we made a resolution that we want President Mnangagwa to fulfil his Vision 2030. We stand by Vision 2030, and as a province, we have benefitted immensely under the Second Republic’s inclusive development agenda.”
The Second Republic is striving to achieve an upper-middle-income society by 2030 through its Vision 2030 plan, which encompasses various programs, policies, and developmental projects.
The initiatives focus on developing infrastructure, creating employment, and establishing investor-friendly policies to drive economic growth and prosperity.
