Vincent Gono in Plumtree

ZANU-PF national chairman Ambassador Simon Khaya Moyo (pictured above) yesterday took a swipe at people fanning factions in the church and in politics describing them as power hungry and misguided.

Speaking at the Guta Ra Mwari (Zvimiso) youth conference in Plumtree where he was the guest of honour, Ambassador Moyo said the church and political parties should guard against factionalism, which was threatening the spirit of oneness.

He said those in politics should also be wary of corruption and imposition of candidates.

Guta Ra Mwari was riddled with factional fighting over top church positions, which subsequently led to its split after the other faction expressed dissatisfaction over the issue of being led by a woman after the death of Mr Taxwell Tayali.

Cde Khaya Moyo said it was sad that there were people who still doubt that women could be very good leaders.

He paid tribute to the church for their unwavering demonstration of support on issues pertaining to promotion of human dignity and defence of the country’s sovereignty.

“You represent not only the majority of our population but the future as well. You have also demonstrated that your energy, vibrancy and principled stand on issues pertaining to the promotion of human dignity and defence of our sovereignty, freedom and independence, defines you as front soldiers in all fields of human endeavor,’’ he said.

Cde Khaya Moyo said the founders of the church were true visionaries adding that even the current leadership had demonstrated that same visionary leadership.

He called on the youths to emulate such leadership qualities saying there was need to strongly instil discipline, respect, courage, hard work, diligence, morality and the appetite to succeed in the face of challenges.

The church’s national chairman, Mr Percy Dzivakwi, said the church was behind the visionary leadership of Zanu-PF adding that they were anti-homosexual as it was alien to Africa.

He said the country’s land reform programme and now the indigenous and economic empowerment drive were strategies aimed at ensuring control and dominion over the country’s resources.

Cde Khaya Moyo said people should be mindful that there were some among them who were determined to reverse the gains of the liberation struggle adding that the power was in them to block such malicious political thinking.

Zanu-PF politburo member Cde Eunice Sandi Moyo and central committee member Ms Molly Mpofu graced the church’s youth conference. Acting Zanu-PF provincial chairman for Bulawayo Cde Killian Sibanda also attended.