Siphakeme .Mnindwa
Vincent Gono recently in Gutu
ZANU-PF Political Commissar Cde Munyaradzi Machacha has implored all party supporters to deploy social media platforms at their disposal to strengthen the party structures instead of destroying them.
Speaking to a sea of Zanu-PF supporters and villagers who had converged on Gutu’s Mushayavanhu community on New Year’s Day to celebrate the appointment of Cde Lovemore Matuke as the new Minister of State Security, Cde Machacha who was the guest of honour said social media platforms were handy for transmitting constructive information that fosters unity and not spreading falsehoods, hate or promoting divisions.
“My advice in 2025 is for all party supporters to foster unity, strength and discipline. Let me also take this opportunity to make an instructive call to all party supporters that, as we engage on various social media platforms, let us be mindful of our messaging and our intentions.
Social media should not be deployed to destroy the party but rather to build it and foster unity and strength of our structures,” he said.
Cde Machacha said disciplinary action would be taken against party supporters bent on creating divisions and who promote indiscipline through social media platforms.
“We have a very clear structure for people to speak out their issues. We are therefore going to take disciplinary action on those who want to address their issues through WhatsApp because that is indiscipline,” he said.
He thanked President Mnangagwa for honouring Masvingo Province by appointing Cde Matuke as Minister of State Security adding that the position was not without merit derived from him being a disciplined and loyal disciple of the party and its ideals.
Speaking on behalf of the chiefs, deputy president of the Chief’s Council, Chief Fortune Charumbira said all traditional leaders in Masvingo are gratified by President Mnangagwa’s recognition of the province through the appointment of Cde Matuke.
“As chiefs, we are very happy by this recognition. It’s an honour not only to Cde Matuke and his family but the province as a whole. We want to thank President Mnangagwa for that. He is our son and to us as chiefs, it gives us pride that our son has been honoured to serve the nation at a higher level,” he said.
He said the significant political milestone marks a pivotal moment for Cde Matuke and the province as he steps into a crucial Government role.
The party’s provincial chairperson for Masvingo, Cde Robson Mavhenyengwa said the province was happy and proud that President Mnangagwa has seen it fit to give Cde Matuke a prestigious position.
“We are gathered here to celebrate the appointment by President Mnangagwa of Cde Matuke who has earned this prestigious position through hard work and commitment to our communities and the nation. This is a proud day for all of us in Masvingo, and we stand united behind him as he assumes this vital role in Government,” he said.
President Mnangagwa announced Cde Matuke’s appointment, filling a key position that had remained vacant since 2022.
The decision is widely regarded as a fitting recognition of Cde Matuke’s unwavering dedication and service to both his party and the people of Masvingo.
The celebration that coincided with the New Year, became a festive occasion punctuated with music, dance and merrymaking with prominent musicians such as Alick Macheso, Mark Ngwazi, Nicholas Zacharia and Mathias Mhere captivating the jubilant crowd, enhancing the celebratory atmosphere.
“This is an exciting moment not just for Cde Matuke but for everyone who takes pride in his journey. These performances are a reflection of our joy, and we will continue to celebrate this achievement,” remarked Zanu-PF chief whip Cde Pupurai Togarepi who also attended the celebrations.
Party returnee Cde Dzikamai Mavhaire also attended the celebrations in Gutu.
The event featured speeches, gifts and a lavish feast during which attendees presented President Mnangagwa and Cde Matuke and his family with various gifts including heifers, sheep, goats, cash, clothing and other valuable items in honour of his new role.
The overwhelming turnout of supporters from Gutu and the province as a whole underscored strong local backing for Cde Matuke’s appointment.
As the festivities drew to a close, community members expressed their pride and support for their newly appointed leader, marking a new chapter in both his political career and the development of Masvingo.
Cde Matuke’s appointment and the number of people who attended his celebration reflected the community’s enthusiasm for his leadership and the importance of his new role in shaping national security policies in Zimbabwe.
He is also the Secretary for Security in the party’s Politburo.
