By Kuda Bwititi
THE race for the Zanu-PF Mashonaland West provincial chairmanship has gathered pace with five candidates, including businessman and former chair Mr Philip Chiyangwa, formally declaring their interest in the post.

In an interview last Friday, acting chairman Cde Reuben Marumahoko said Cdes Chiyangwa; Walter Chidhakwa; Betty Biri and Joseph Chirongoma submitted their curriculum vitaes in preparation for elections to be held before the end of this month.
Cde Marumahoko himself is also vying for the province’s top post.

“We advised those who were interested in the post to submit their profiles. These four comrades have sent in their CVs to confirm their wish to contest for the post.
“I will also contest,” he said.
Cde Marumahoko said although Mr Chiyangwa had thrown his hat into the ring, the provincial executive committee was still awaiting approval from the national disciplinary committee to give the maverick

businessman the green light to contest.
Mr Chiyangwa was dismissed from the party in 2006 and sought readmission earlier this year.
“As things stand, we are waiting for the national disciplinary committee to give us the go-ahead to allow him to stand for the chairmanship.

“We have already written to the national chairman (Ambassador Simon Khaya Moyo) our recommendation for him to be formally readmitted into the provincial structures after his co-option into the province through the Makonde district committee.
“His readmission into the province has not yet been finalised.

“He will only resume full-time duties as a provincial member when we get approval from the national level.” 
Zanu-PF secretary for administration Cde Didymus Mutasa said the national disciplinary committee would determine the matter.
“For all intents and purposes, the decision taken by the province should be accepted because we cannot reverse their wish,” he said.

“However, technically, the disciplinary committee, which is chaired by the party chairman, should have the final say.” Ambassador Khaya Moyo refused to comment, saying doing so would pre-empt the national disciplinary committee process.
Mr Chiyangwa became Zanu-PF Mashonaland West provincial chair in 2000.

He was expelled from the party in 2006 following allegations of espionage.
Cde Chidhakwa is the House of Assembly member for Zvimba South and doubles as Deputy Minister of Parastatals and State Enterprises.

A war collaborator from Makonde district, Cde Biri is a long-serving party member who has previously contested primary elections.
Cde Chringoma is a member of the Zvimba district co-ordinating committee.

It is understood suspended chairman Cde John Mafa and Cde John Yottam are also interested in the post, which fell vacant following the suspension of the former last year.
Cde Robert Sikanyika, who replaced him in an acting capacity, died in a car crash in April.-The Sunday Mail