Zanu PF Minister Makes Peace With Community
By Gary Hlatshwayo
Gwanda, October 3, 2013 – Controversial Minister of State for Provincial Affairs in Matabeleland South, Abedinico Ncube this week appeared to be reformed person after he told scores of civil servants that he will be not harassing them in executing his duties.
Known for being highly temperamental and fond of using abusive and threatening language, the Gwanda South legislator has in the past been found on the wrong side of the law.
He is alleged to have masterminded the dismissal of the late former Provincial Education Director Glory Makwati from the Ministry of Education over links with the Movement for Democratic Change party.
“I won’t harass you,” the minister told civil servants during a meeting held on Monday here.
Ncube once hogged the limelight for the wrong reasons when he assaulted a prefect at Milton High School, who had allegedly bullied his son.
Petros Mukwena of the MDC got Ncube convicted for directing abusive language at him. But Ncube appealed against both conviction and sentence.
Many still believe Ncube is not the right candidate for the job as he lacks public relations qualities.
“We will have to wait and see how sincere he is but a leopard hardly changes its spots,” said a senior civil servant who requested anonymity.
Ncube said he would rise above party politics and urged both Zanu PF and MDC-T supporters to work together to develop the province.
“Let us not talk of the opposition but let us work with them for the development of the province,” pleaded the minister.
Ncube however took a swipe at non-governmental organisations that he claimed continue to meddle in the country’s political affairs saying they would be chucked out of Zimbabwe.
“Don’t take advantage of hungry people and start talking politics. The law provides we chuck you out if you deviate from your mandate.”
Villagers in Matabeleland South province are facing starvation with reports that the state-run Grain Marketing Board is failing to meet grain demand in the province.