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Joseph Madzimure  Senior Reporter
THE ruling party, Zanu PF, has extended an olive branch to former party members who were expelled or suspended from the party during the old dispensation to apply for re-admission.

During the old dispensation, a number of party stalwarts, some with liberation credentials, were expelled from the revolutionary party for various reasons.

Some of the bigwigs who were expelled or suspended are former Vice President Joice Mujuru, Cdes Rugare Gumbo, Didymus Mutasa (who has since re-joined the party), Ambassador Agrippa Mutambara, Kudakwashe Bhasikiti, Dzikamai Mavhaire, Ambassador John Mvundura, Jabulani Sibanda, Francis Nhema, Ray Kaukonde, Luke Mushore, Andrew Langa, Temba Mliswa, Munacho Mutezo among others.

In a wide-ranging interview, the party’s Secretary for Commissariat Cde Victor Matemadanda said their vision was to ensure that members who have served their five-year suspension or expelled for various disciplinary cases were eligible to apply in their respective provinces for re-admission.

Cde Matemadanda said former party members who had been expelled or suspended during the tenure of the late former President Robert Mugabe can apply for re-admission .

“We have some former party members who were expelled in 2014 and 2015 by the old dispensation. It’s now water under the bridge, they should come back to the party of their choice.

“Those who were expelled or suspended during the Gamatox era can apply for re-admission in their respective provinces for consideration.

“We are one family. Members should stop calling each other names.

“We do not have Gamatox, Lacoste or G40. We want unity and people should take heed of what President Mnangagwa is saying. We should not point fingers at others, accusing them of being part of this or that formation,” he said.

Some members have already been cleared in their respective provinces, some joined opposition political parties while others quit active politics.

Cde Matemadanda said some members have approached their respective provinces to be re-admitted .

“The process is on now. We are overwhelmed by comrades who are willing to come back. We are saying comrades must come back and the President wants all to come back to the party and help in the building of our country,” Cde Matemadanda has said.

On those who had joined opposition parties, he said some members had done so out of frustration.

“We will consider case by case, but all those who are interested in re-joining the party can apply. We have been together in the trenches during and after the liberation struggle. Those comrades belong to Zanu PF.

“Members such as former Masvingo Provincial Affairs Minister Bhasikiti can also apply. The province will consider his case. We are not begging them, but we are just saying let them come back home.”

In addition, he said the party is in constant touch with some former members.