Source: Mugabe raps Kasukuwere – NewsDay Zimbabwe May 24, 2016
PRESIDENT Robert Mugabe last Wednesday reportedly left Zanu PF political commissar, Saviour Kasukuwere with egg on his face at a meeting with party provincial chairpersons, after he accused him of fuelling the chaos rocking the ruling party.
BY RICHARD CHIDZA
Impeccable sources told NewsDay yesterday that Mugabe called for the meeting, initially at the ruling party headquarters, before switching it to State House.
“Mugabe asked for a meeting with chairpersons that was organised by Kasukuwere to get a clear picture of what is going on across the country. The chairpersons had apparently been coached by the national commissar on what to say and to complain bitterly that they were being victimised by Vice-President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s loyalists,” a Zanu PF insider said.
“However, the plot hit a snag because unbeknown to Kasukuwere, Mugabe also invited Mnangagwa and his counterpart Vice-President Phelekezela Mphoko. The chairpersons stammered through the briefings and an angry Mugabe then snapped at Kasukuwere.”
Zanu PF Mashonaland provincial chairperson, Dickson Mafios confirmed the meeting, but declined to provide details of the discussions.
“It is true, we met the President. However, it was a confidential meeting and I cannot give details,” he said.
Kasukuwere said the meeting was “routine”, adding party secretary for administration, Ignatius Chombo had also attended.
“It was a routine meeting and I have these meetings with chairpersons every week. We just wanted to apprise the President on the state of the party. And it is true the VPs also attended, but as for me being blamed for the chaos, it’s rubbish. Some people have also passed a no-confidence vote in me and one of the VPs, so I cannot be blamed for such things. I do not live in all the provinces,” he said.
For the better part of the last two years, Zanu PF has literally been on the edge, as senior party leaders position themselves for a post-Mugabe era, with Mnangagwa and First Lady Grace Mugabe reportedly eyeing the top post, although both have publicly denied harbouring such ambitions.
Insiders said Kasukuwere, who is linked to Grace’s camp, was also ordered to prioritise teamwork.
“He was ordered to work with Chombo and the VPs in whatever he does and stop pushing nefarious agendas,” the source said.
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