Divisions rock  ZPF in Midlands

On the one hand, is a faction led by the party’s provincial coordinator, Wilson Svova — a former ZANU-PF Central Committee member.

Svova has the support of former Gweru councilor, Kumbirai Rutsvara.

Former Gweru mayor, Tedious Chimombe, who is Svova’s deputy, leads the other camp, which has the backing of former ZANU-PF Central Committee member, Douglas Kanengoni.

Owing to the tiff, Svova has demoted Chimombe from his position, and is now dealing directly with provincial coordinators.

ZPF insiders said the divisions were a result of the jostling for positions ahead of the party’s inaugural congress to be held this month.

Contacted for comment this week, Chimombe, had no kind words for Svova, whom he accused of exhibiting dictatorial tendencies.

He alleged that Svova had been handpicking his friends to influential positions without following party processes as provided for in the ZPF constitution.

“We have a problem of a person who still has a ZANU-PF hangover and thinks that being a leader is being dictatorial to the extent that he wants to cherry pick the committee and fill it with his friends and relatives. I hope he comes to his senses soon and join us to build the party than what he is trying to do,” said Chimombe.

Svova said the confusion was being caused by ambitious individuals who think they could run the party by not going through the right channels.

He said: “They are now creating WhatsApp groups and parallel structures outside the official structures,” he mourned.

As a result of the quarreling between Chimombe and Svova, their factions are holding separate meetings.