Former MDC-T mayor joins Zanu PF

By The Standard | Jan. 27, 2013

VICTORIA FALLS Mayor Nkosilathi Jiyane yesterday said he was joining Zanu PF, as he felt disrespected in the MDC-T.

VICTORIA FALLS Mayor Nkosilathi Jiyane yesterday said he was joining Zanu PF, as he felt disrespected in the MDC-T. REPORT BY BY NDUDUZO TSHUMA

Speaking at a rally organised by Mines and Mining Development minister, Obert Mpofu at Sizinda Secondary School in Victoria Falls, Jiyane said he felt “warm” among Zanu PF leaders as they were orderly and respectful.

“I got into council as a young man and worked with Enoch Sibanda and Josphat Spulila Mpofu [both Zanu PF] who taught me good leadership qualities,” said Jiyane.

“I was voted into council three times because people saw something good in me. The leadership in Zanu PF is organised, they taught me good leadership. The future is in Zanu PF. When I was at MDC-T they did not respect or show any pride that they had a mayor in Victoria Falls, they did not respect me maybe because of my young age.

“I told them to remain with their party. I feel at home in Zanu PF and warm because of the love given to me,” said Jiyane who was appointed into the Hwange Colliery Company Limited Board by Mpofu in 2011.

Jiyane was immediately welcomed and given a scarf by Matabeleland North Zanu PF vice-chairman, Reeds Dube and a cap by central committee member Fati Mpofu.

Jiyane quit the MDC-T citing persecution by party leaders and interference in his job.

Since quitting the party, Jiyane had found an ally in Local Government minister, Ignatius Chombo, fuelling speculation that he would join soon Zanu PF.