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Temba Mliswa

Walter Nyamukondiwa Chinhoyi Bureau—
THE Zanu-PF Mashonaland West provincial executive yesterday passed a vote of no-confidence in provincial chairman Cde Temba Mliswa, but the decision was announced at a police station here following threats from rowdy pro-Mliswa youths. Members of the executive had to seek protection at the police provincial headquarters where vice chairman Cde Ziyambi Ziyambi addressed a Press conference, amid chaotic scenes.

Youths and other party members — believed to be loyal to Cde Mliswa — had disrupted the Press conference which was scheduled to be addressed by Cde Ziyambi, who is also Home Affairs Deputy Minister, prompting the executive to seek refuge at the police station.

At least 27 out of 48 members attended the meeting where the vote of no-confidence motion was passed, surpassing the 26-member quorum required in the case.
Thereafter, the executive members signed a petition which was scheduled to be taken to national chairman Cde Simon Khaya Moyo and secretary for administration Cde Didymus Mutasa.

In his statement, Cde Ziyambi said as the vice chairman, he will assume leadership of the province until the provincial co-ordinating committee sits to map the way forward.
“The Zanu-PF provincial executive committee sat and resolved to pass a vote of no-confidence in the chairman Cde Temba Mliswa for a number of reasons, including disrespect for the leadership through statements in the media,” he said.

Among the reasons cited for the motion were Cde Mliswa’s alleged involvement with the American spy agency, the Central Intelligence Agency one of whose operatives he recently took to his constituency to meet village heads.

“He (Mliswa) has embarrassed the executive by admitting that he took an American to his constituency and boasting that Government was using the United States dollar and no one should stop him,” said Cde Ziyambi.

Cde Mliswa could not be reached for comment by the time of going to Press.
The executive committee meeting was scheduled to start at 10am at the provincial party offices, but failed to take off as only a few members were coming and immediately leaving before it was convened at the Chinhoyi University Hotel in the afternoon.

But youths from various districts disrupted the meeting, saying members of the executive who benefited from Cde Mliswa’s benevolence were now seeking to topple him.
“Most of the people now fighting Cde Mliswa were not voted into office,” said one of the youths.

“They do not want to work, that is why they are organising these mischievous meetings.”
Cde Mliswa had warned members, in correspondence in possession of The Herald, against attending the meeting, saying it was unconstitutional.
“I note with concern that an unsanctioned PEC meeting has been called for to be convened tomorrow, Thursday 9th October 2014,” he said in the letter.

“Article 12:97 and 12:97(1) of the Zanu-PF Constitution clearly states that meetings of this nature are to be called for and presided over by the Provincial Chairman as the Head of the Political and Administrative Department for the Province.

“That being said, I would like to categorically state that I have NOT called for any such meeting and, therefore, declare that the meeting is unconstitutional as its announcement has not followed due process and procedure.”

Cde Mliswa warned that anyone who attended the meeting faced disciplinary action, saying disgruntled members should follow proper procedures.
Cde Mliswa was recently named among 12 Zanu-PF legislators who received funds and leaked intelligence information to US embassy official Mr Eric Little in exchange for funding.
He invited Mr Little to his constituency in Hurungwe West ostensibly to help in providing funds to build schools and clinics.