Brighton Chiseva
ZAKA – As the 2023 harmonized elections beckon, Zanu PF factional clashes are escalating in Zaka where infighting has become the order of the day.
The district is torn between Zanu PF provincial chairperson, Zaka North Member of Parliament (MP) Robson Mavhenyengwa and Masvingo Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Ezra Chadzamira.
Zaka Central MP Davison Svuure who is also Zaka District Coordinating Committee (DCC) vice chairperson and a Chadzamira fanatic has been roped into the fights, once again clashing with his Ward 8 Councilor Tererai Tererai over input distribution.
The two have been at loggerheads for some time with Tererai being accused of backing other ‘dark horses’ who intend to throw their hats in the ring come 2023 primary elections including Agriculture Deputy Minister and Masvingo North sitting MP Davis Marapira who is vying for the seat.
The recent clash is alleged to have taken place at Gwangwava Shopping Centre in ward 8 where inputs for the ward were supposed to be distributed and Svuure is alleged to have said unprintable words to insult Tererai.
It is alleged that Svuure came and asked the councilor to take inputs to other centres for distribution which did not go down well with the councilor and his close allies who then accused Svuure of taking inputs to his strong holds.
Contacted for comment, Tererai said there was a small misunderstanding which was later resolved and refused to comment further.
“We had a misunderstanding with the MP on the day of distribution but we later found common ground and went ahead. I cannot comment further on the issue,” said Tererai
On his part Svuure dismissed the accusations as mere political smearing saying his Christian values and Ubuntu could not allow him to go that far.
“I am not directly involved in distribution of inputs; that’s the councilor, Agritex officials’. However, my oversight role involves me depending on the situation. On the day in question I was called by community members who were saying the councilor wants to distribute all the inputs at one place contrary to what we had agreed.
“We have three distribution centres in the ward to reduce travelling distance to cater for our elderly and disabled community members. So I went there and insisted that we honor that agreement and we did that. However, there are some political opponents who are fighting me and they are the ones taking advantage of that incident to further their interests by lying to the people.
“I am a Christian and a pastor myself so that cannot allow me to insult someone with a disability. That message was just drama meant to taint my name,” said Svuure.
Svuure is also accused of taking cement from Mbuyamaswa Clinic project in ward 9 and divert it to other uses and sources allege that Marapira is influencing police to arrest Svuure over the cement issue.
On the cement issue Svuure said he took the cement for other developmental projects in the ward and the constituency and it was above board since he sought permission from the health ministry officials’ after which they agreed.
“The cement was drying and could not be used for the clinic but other light work and I will return the cement when it’s needed,” he said.
On his part Marapira said he had no power to get people arrested saying he was not even aware of the cement in question.
“How can I get Svuure arrested? It’s the duty of the police and I am not involved. I don’t even know about the cement and if the cement was taken I am sure the locals are aware and if it was taken without their consent then there is a case. I cannot support what is wrong,” said Marapira.
