PRESIDENT SATA SHUNS ZANU-PF’S NATIONAL CONFERENCE

President Michael Sata is reported to have turned down Zimbabwe’s ruling ZANU-PF’s invitation to the party’s national conference this week.

This is according to the New Zimbabwe’s online edition.

The online media says President Sata declined the invitation during his meeting with his Zimbabwean colleague, Robert Mugabe on Saturday in Livingstone.

Mr Sata, elected Zambian President in September, was reported to be among high-profile guests at the conference scheduled to open on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, Zimbabwe’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Simbarashe Mumbengegwi had said President Sata would now be represented at the highest level.

And Information Minister, Webster Shamu has disclosed that the 4-day ZANU-PF national conference is expected to confirm Mr Mugabe as the party’s candidate for next year’s elections.

Party Chairman, Simon Khaya Moyo has also said the 6,000 delegates conference would also launch preparations for the elections demanded by Mugabe to replace the coalition government.