Harare — Zanu-PF's Masvingo provincial leadership has thrown its weight behind Cde Joice Mujuru and Cde Simon Khaya-Moyo for the party's Vice President and national chairman respectively, backtracking from its earlier choices.

The province had initially nominated Cde Oppah Muchinguri for the Vice Presidency and Cde Kembo Mohadi for the national chairmanship.

In a statement yesterday, the province said it reached the decision after considering the importance of unity in the party.

The province said the decision was taken unanimously.

A senior official from the province also assured Cde Mujuru of their full support now and in future as they had always done.

"Considering the importance of party unity at this critical juncture in the history of the party, and after extensive consultations and reflection among party members in the province, the Masvingo Provincial Co-ordinating Committee has resolved to support Cde J.T. Mujuru for the post of Vice President and Second Secretary of the party," it said.

The province said the decision to nominate Cde Moyo followed Cde Mohadi's withdrawal from the race.

"In light of the decision by Cde Mohadi to withdraw his candidature for the national chairmanship of the party in favour of Cde SK Moyo and noting the outstanding qualities and commitment of Cde SK Moyo to the party, the Masvingo PCC has unanimously resolved to support Cde SK Moyo," it added.

Masvingo Politburo member Cde Stan Mudenge said: "Although we had voted for Cde Muchinguri for the Vice Presidency, we are fully behind the winning candidate (VP Mujuru).

"This is time now to assert and affirm party unity. We want to assure her that we will work with her and fully support her."

He said Cde Muchiguri's nomination was "internal party competition" consistent with democracy.

A candidate requires the support of at least six out of 10 provinces to be elevated into the Presidium at the national congress that will be held in December.

The Presidium comprises the President and First Secretary, two Vice Presidents and Second Secretaries and the national chairman.

President Mugabe has secured the support of every province.

VP Mujuru now has the backing of nine of the party's 10 provinces with Midlands set to carry out its nominations today.

Eight provinces have now endorsed Cde Khaya Moyo's candidature for the national chairmanship. He will take over from Cde John Nkomo who has himself been assured of the support of six provinces so far for the Vice-Presidency post.

Cde Nkomo will replace founding nationalist and late national hero Cde Joseph Msika who passed away in August.

Zanu-PF secretary for administration Cde Didymus Mutasa had also expressed interest in the national chairmanship post.