Why PF Zapu Is Terminating 1987 Unity Accord

 Nkomo convinced PF Zapu that he was powerless to stop the killings of PF Zapu members, supporters and innocent Zimbabweans in Matabeleland and the Midlands provinces.

He worked hard to convince both parties that it was in their common interest and in the interest of the country as a whole that the two parties that fought the war should unite and work as one.

 Nkomo got the congress of PF Zapu to pass a resolution to enter into the Unity Accord. PF Zapu was coerced into the agreement, and therefore it was always free to terminate it. Throughout the following 20 years, PF Zapu has tried in vain to make the unity work.

 For example, it was agreed in the Unity Accord that the two parties were equal partners — but that has never been the case. Zanu PF has always acted unilaterally and ignored the protests made by PF Zapu;

 

It was agreed that the symbol of the rooster be abandoned. Zanu PF has always maintained that symbol knowing well that it caused great offence to PF Zapu.

Members of PF Zapu were not appointed to positions to an equal degree with Zanu PF counterparts, whether from civil society or the former combatants.

It is the perception of PF Zapu members that equitable development in the provinces has not taken place and that Matabeleland in particular has been disadvantaged.

PF Zapu can neither identify with nor condone the policies that are responsible for the political, security and humanitarian crisis of the past nine months.

PF Zapu has been marginalized in the recent negotiations with other parties for a unity government. No member of PF Zapu was involved and after protests, one was appointed even that was neutralised by the further appointment of Zanu PF members.

 These last two matters have precipitated the decision to abandon the unity with Zanu PF. In view of the fact that it was the congress of PF Zapu that took the decision to enter into the Unity Accord with Zanu PF, it is necessary to convene congress to reconsider the wishes of the members to dissolve the Unity Accord.

 Accordingly, the members resolved on November 8, 2008 as they are empowered to do so by the constitution of PF Zapu, to take steps to convene a congress to give legal effect to the resolution hereunder that; The political structures of PF Zapu cease to operate under the title Zanu PF, and to resume the title of PF Zapu.

All party structures operate under the authority of the constitution of PF Zapu.

The district councils should meet to prepare to convene a consultative Conference consisting of all 10 provinces by December 2008 for the purpose of elections and interim executive tasked with responsibility to mobilise and restructure the party and convene the party’s congress by March 2009 in terms of Article 6 of the Constitution of PF Zapu;

That a campaign to mobilise resources in the country from well-wishers everywhere,  from fraternal political parties and international organisations be undertaken forthwith;

To engage as necessary in the negotiations any peace-building initiatives, to ameliorate the political and economic hardships presently being endured by the people of Zimbabwe.

 Contrary to the misconception that war veterans are the organisers of the consultative conference, it is the legal structures of the party that have been charged with that responsibility.

The extent to which the war veterans are involved in the conference reflects their membership of PF Zapu. The notion that war veterans are regrouping is false. It is also incorrect to say PF Zapu is being resuscitated for the sake of addressing the issue of non-development in Matabeleland. This is certainly one of the issues that have given rise to disaffection with Zanu PF.

 The party structures in the 10 provinces will convene in a consultative conference, which will be charged with the responsibility to organise for congress. The congress will elect a new executive and debate on the resolution of November 8, 2008, and shall itself resolve accordingly.

It is on this point that I call upon all Zapu members from within the country and outside to attend this historic convention which will be held on December 13 -14, 2008 at MacDonald Hall in Bulawayo. All members of PF Zapu will participate in the plenary sessions from 1000hrs to 1230hrs on December 13.
 
Effort Nkomo,
Zapu spokesperson
Bulawayo

 

(ZimStandard)

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