PRESIDENT Robert Mugabe and war veterans could be headed for a fresh wave of public spats over the emotive succession issue, after the former freedom fighters endorsed Vice-President Emmerson Mnangagwa as his heir apparent.
Source: War vets endorse Mnangagwa – NewsDay Zimbabwe June 1, 2016
BY RICHARD CHIDZA/OBEY MANAYITI
In resolutions made available to NewsDay yesterday, following a whirlwind tour of provinces on feedback meetings in the aftermath of their indaba with Mugabe in April, the ex-freedom fighters said the 92-year-old’s successor was “fait accompli”, meaning it is irreversible.
“All fighters, all those who went to the struggle are in a queue to rule and the norm is, seniority tells who is next in line. So next in line from those who took part in the struggle, is Mnangagwa. There is nothing sinister about that, it is just a matter of principle,” Zimbabwe
National Liberation War Veterans Association spokesperson, Douglas Mahiya said yesterday.
There is no love lost between Mugabe and former freedom fighters, as tensions rise over the succession issue, long a thorn in Zanu PF’s side.
“Mnangagwa does not want to take over; he is already in the bus, in a firm position to take over and is under no pressure. It is those that are at the back of the queue who are pushing to take the baton from the one in second place,” read part of the resolutions from some of the provinces.
The declaration came hardly a week after Mugabe literally accepted the position of “Zanu PF president for life” at the million-man march, where he accused people angling for his position of treason.
“The groups that we hear are in the party, these are treasonous. Opposition groups and the West want me to retire. Tell them to go hang, I am going nowhere,” he said a week ago.
Mnangagwa has long been seen as the frontrunner to succeed Mugabe, but he is facing internal opposition from a group of Young Turks known as G40.
Following Mugabe’s comments that some war veterans were operating outside Zanu PF, the former freedom fighters hit back declaring they had never left the party.
The former freedom fighters also questioned recent statements by senior party leaders calling for “one centre of power”.
Yesterday, a seemingly emboldened Mahiya said “that the President was chosen by war veterans in Mozambique is true and that choice has been the people’s choice for 36 years”.
“Attempts to separate him by G40 remain an indication of regime change,” he said.
“We know that the party has been infiltrated through (Higher Education minister) Jonathan Moyo as a designer, (Local Government minister Saviour) Kasukuwere as the implementer of the plan with assistance from (Indigenisation minister Patrick) Zhuwao and others not worth mentioning now.”
Kasukuwere and Moyo have often been mentioned as the brains behind G40.
Zanu PF spokesperson, Simon Khaya Moyo said the issue had nothing to do with the ruling party.
“It is a war veterans issue and I do not think it will be fair for the party to say anything regarding the matter. Maybe you might want to speak to their ministry,” he said.
Mugabe’s relationship with the former freedom fighters has been rocky in the last few months.
In March, the Zanu PF leader axed War Veterans minister Christopher Mutsvangwa, who was subsequently suspended for three years from the party.
COMMENTS
You can also select Zanu Pf senior officials, about 5000 and let them vote as to who will be the successor. From the party, you can then select 5 candidates whom you think can lead this bad party and the one who gets the highest vote becomes heir apparent. Koo iye Mugabe akaita take over wani, when his Seniors vana Sithole varipo. War vets, seniority is not the issue here, but its about someone who has clues on how to lead. Your candidate seems clueless though and as I say above try the prescription I have prescribed above.
The idea of a democratic state is to have the people freely elect their head of state. But we want head of Zimbabwe, and these are two different entities. Let us not confuse country politics and party administration. ly elect their own leader. This is very different from what happened in Mozambique. Mnangagwa can be head of ZANU, but does not have to be president. Let the people elect their own leader. We have had plenty of abuse and poverty. Please help.
The War vets must not hide behind the finger. Why give their views thru opposition papers. They know the correct forum. These guys are NOT GENUINE FREEDOM FIGHTERS. THEY ARE TIMID LITTLE COWARDS. Thru the special congress and politibru they must boldily tell the sitting president that its now time up. They then vote for a suitable candidate. Thank Robert and tell him zvakwana. Actually they must recall him before 2018 and temporarily appoint somebody to avert total collapse of economy. If there is total breakdown nemwi ma O vet amurumi. Munenge musingatambiri. For your information DON’T IMPOSE MUNANGAGWA ON US. WE WILL RESIST. HE IS TAINTED. GUKURAHUNDI. ISU KU MATEBELELAND ATIDI KUNZVA NEZVAKE. If you value our support any other person we will unite. Ko how about kuisa weZapu this time around? Ndo kubatana ka!!!! Down ne seniority. Choose a fearless godly man with a vision capable man who will tackle corruption and steer Zimbabwean economy to its previous glory. Munangagwa is tainted by corruption and genocide. Aneropa kumaoko. Akatora mari dzose kuma gold claims muMidlands. Ndiye mafia we kuMidlands. Atimudi. Ma O vets show that you are men chaivo. Be Bold. I like Jabu akataura pachena kuti he can not support bedroom coup. You failed to support you war vet leader. Magwara. Chamakarera chave kukusvetai ropa. The same queen you wrongly protected is insulting and making laughing stock. Show ukuthi ningamadoda mpela. Lina lingomama. Regayi kuwukura makawanda. He is one man nedhunyasi rake.
HEY HEY HEY! You stupid so called War Vets! Who told you that Zimbabwe belongs to ZANU(P.F). If you want Mnangagwa to take over from Mugabe, its ok and that is in your Party not the leadership of the country mhani! Let the people of Zimbabwe chose their own leader regardless of what Party he/she is from.Period. Look at South Africa now, The thief and rapist Jacob ZUMA was made President because of his position in the A.N.C. now look at the drama that is unfolding in the Parliament! fist fights and name calling! do you that shamefull thing to happen in Zimbabwe? Garwe can take over from Bob but only in their corrupt Party not as automatic President NEVER!