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Masvingo Bureau
THE war veterans congress to elect a new leadership kicks off at Great Zimbabwe Hotel in Masvingo today, with one of the front runners to lead the body, Cde Joseph Chinotimba, welcoming the expulsion of former leader Cde Jabulani Sibanda from the party.

War veterans will elect new leaders at their two-day congress that ends on Sunday, with seven posts in the association’s executive up for grabs. The congress is being held at the behest of President Mugabe, who as patron of the ex-freedom fighters advised them to elect a new leadership before the Zanu-PF National People’s Congress early next month.

The decision to expel Cde Sibanda from Zanu-PF was taken by the Politburo on Thursday. Cde Chinotimba said preparations for the congress had gone on well with the stage set for the event today.

He is said to be one of the front-runners to replace Cde Sibanda, but was evasive when asked if he had any interest.

“We are expecting around 1 000 delegates to attend the two-day congress, but I do not know the names of candidates who are vying for the chairmanship,” said Cde Chinotimba.

“The congress is for freedom fighters and every freedom fighter can stand up and throw his name in the ring, it is allowed.

“Whether I am contesting or not I am not sure, I can say I will contest today and change my mind, just come and see for yourself who will be fighting it out for the top post.’’

Cde Chinotimba said those interested would contest for the positions of national chairperson, deputy national chairperson, secretary-general, treasurer, political commissar, secretary for finance and secretary for security.

“What is wrong if Chinos becomes chairman of war veterans? People should not worry about Chinos, after all I even won elections back home in Buhera South,’’ he said.

Delegates to the congress will be ferried by hired buses from Benjamin Burombo Government complex in the city centre to Great Zimbabwe, about 20 kilometres away, starting at 8am.