via ‘Real Zanu PF’ faction emerges – Nehanda Radio February 22, 2015 by Moses Matenga and Obey Manayiti
Two Zanu PF formations have emerged from the chaos that has rocked the party with ousted spokesperson Rugare Gumbo yesterday announcing he, together with his purged colleagues represented the leadership of the “real” Zanu PF.
He branded the others led by President Robert Mugabe as the “2014 Zanu PF”.
Gumbo said following the dismissal of former secretary for administration Didymus Mutasa and Mashonaland West provincial chairman Temba Mliswa from the party last week, it was clear that people with no liberation war credentials had taken over the party for selfish gains.
He said it was clear now that there was the “2014 Zanu PF” born out of the “illegal December congress” and the Zanu PF that stands for the democratic principles that they fought for.
“It is their Zanu PF, their 2014 Zanu PF, and the real Zanu PF doesn’t do that,” Gumbo said.
“It is their new Zanu PF with people who did not go to war, who did not fight in the liberation struggle and have their own motives.”
Asked whether his statement meant that there were now two different parties using the name Zanu PF, Gumbo retorted: “Correct, that’s what Cde Mutasa said and that’s the Zanu PF we belong to.”
This comes amid reports that the team of those purged out of Zanu PF were burning the midnight oil to strategise on their future.
Among those who were offloaded from Zanu PF are former war veterans’ leader Jabulani Sibanda, Gumbo, Mutasa, former Vice President Joice Mujuru, nine of the 10 provincial chairpersons, several former ministers and several others.
Mutasa still signs his statements as Zanu PF secretary for administration.
The former Presidential Affairs minister said he was expelled from the “unlawful” Zanu PF but he remained with the “real” Zanu PF.
He said the First Lady Grace Mugabe was now the centre of power in the new but “illegitimate” Zanu PF party.
Meanwhile, a handful of placard carrying Zanu-PF supporters yesterday marched through the city of Mutare to “thank” the politburo for firing Mutasa from the party.
The Zanu PF politburo fired Mutasa on Wednesday, a few weeks after the party’s Manicaland province had demanded his explusion.
After the march, supporters were addressed by the acting provincial chairman Samuel Undenge at Meikles Park. But his address too was so terse, painting a picture that the whole protest march was ill planned and had monumentally flopped.
Some senior party officials told The Standard at the venue that the whole march was hurriedly planned.
“Mobilisation was not properly done. Had it not been that more people could have come,” said one Zanu PF official.
“Some also say there is really nothing to celebrate and it also took long for the politburo to come up with that decision and people have already forgotten about that.”
However deputy provincial youth chair Mubuso Chinguno said the poor showing by supporters did not mean people were not interested in the issue at all.
He said the march was by invitation and only meant for Mutare district leaders.
“It was strictly by invitation and only the district leaders are present. It was not for everyone,” claimed Chinguno.
“As the youth league for Manicaland we accept the decision by the politburo because Mutasa was so violent. He was the reason why we dismally lost in 2008. He used to impose his candidates in different constituencies and people revolted leading in the loss.”
Undenge urged Mutasa loyalists to change their allegiance.
Mutasa was for years the undisputed Manicaland political godfather until his fortunes began to dwindle ahead of the December congress.
The former Zanu PF secretary for administration together with Mujuru and their allies were accused of plotting to oust Mugabe, inviting the wrath of First Lady, Grace Mugabe and the 91-year-old leader. They all denied the accusations. The Standard
COMMENTS
Dear Liberation war heroes, thank you for what you fought for. But 50 ,60 years later to claim your CV’s from that time are a qualification to rule Zim in the now the 21 first century is a bit too much.Go home and retire.There are now brilliant Zimbos (your grand kids by the way) in and out of Zim who are capable to make this country a first world country in less time than you have been in power.
Kaguvi. Well said
While I can understand that what Gumbo is trying to say is specific to Zanu PF I think that his argument on people who fought in the war is unfortunately now redundant. There should be a stop on this talk on all facets of our life as Zimbabweans and focus should be on things that will move the country forward.
We cannot keep on referring to the war which finished some 35 years ago.
In five years time its possible for someone who was born after the war to be a presidential candidate. The country cannot be held at ransom by this war talk. What credentials do the people who fought in the war actually have that the rest of us who did not don’t have? From the evidence on the ground it seems nothing.
This war has even been abused by people with little or no contribution to it like Robert Mugabe. At every turn when cornered he refers to the war and yet his personal contribution to it is minute and the war could have ended the way it did(by a negotiated settlement) with or without him.
Lets hear less of that war and more of the future. There is whole new generation who have nothing to do with the war who can make meaningful positive changes for the country, let them not be sidelined be it in politics, business etc.
Consider this, how many political leaders in England referred to the World War II in 1980 on day to day political issues? None. That was 35 years after WWII had finished and yet in Zimbabwe we are still being reminded of the war in 2015 on day to day political issues.
Nearer home lets remember that there was also a war in Mozambique which finished five years earlier than ours and yet President Nyusi did not fight in that war because he was just 15 when the war finished.
Tinomunamataishe, I wish people could read your comment and act on it. Unfortunately, those that should read it are the very ones who would gladly use the WAR ticket as it seems their ONLY credible argument. Very soon, it will be an issue of having “traceable links to a War Vet” as the ticket to power. The only good thing about power is that it is never given on a silver platter, else it’s no longer called Power but a donation
Well, Gumbo and your so called “real Zanu PF” this is the 21st century we don’t eat talk of liberation struggle and the bottom line is “you are still” Zanu PF and plan to remain so.
Let me give you a piece of advice. You have been quiet aaaaaal this time because you were enjoying the corrupt company. Now that they have ditched you, you want to tell us that they are the bad guys. We are not fools and uneducated as you guys are. We want fresh ideas, you guys have failed dismally.
Mugabe never fought in any battle, he never hanged his Chinese suit in exchange of a military gear. Its clear now that he has surrounded himself with yes men and yes women like gucci Grace. Real ZANU PF is represented by the like of Joice Mujuru, and other war veterans from both ZANU PF and PF ZAPU. Congregate and challenge Mugabe and his stoogies. Arms of war are even available for real comrades to deal with these stoogies who have destroyed our pride with mubagerish. Where have you seen a country that is either Mugaberish or you are a sellout, to hell with Mugabe and Grace
Mugabe never fought in any battle, he never hanged his Chinese suit in exchange of a military gear. Its clear now that he has surrounded himself with yes men and yes women like Gucci Grace. Real ZANU PF is represented by the like of Joyce Mujuru, and other war veterans from both ZANU PF and PF ZAPU. Congregate and challenge Mugabe and his stooges. Arms of war are even available for real comrades to deal with these stooges who have destroyed our pride with mubagerish. Where have you seen a country that is either Mugaberish or you are a sellout, to hell with Mugabe and Grace