Source: ‘Zanu PF bigwigs cowards’ – DailyNews Live January 14, 2017
Tendai Kamhungira
HARARE – Analysts say Zanu PF bigs are “too docile” to ever contemplate
challenging President Robert Mugabe or move to force the nonagenarian to
retire.
The sentiments come despite the growing pressure from some supporters of
Vice President Emmerson Mnangagwa that the ruling party holds an
extraordinary congress to deal specifically with Mugabe’s succession.
Vocal Mnangagwa backer, Energy Mutodi, is among the people who have openly
raised the question of the extraordinary congress, telling the Daily News
earlier this week that Mugabe had to go as he allegedly stood no chance
against the opposition in next year’s much-awaited elections.
However, political analyst Pedzisai Ruhanya said Mutodi’s suggestion was
not feasible, considering how Zanu PF regarded Mugabe as the “alpha and
omega” of the ruling party.
“This is because Mugabe in Zanu PF is not just a human being, he is a
political structure, Mugabe is a political institution, Mugabe is a
political culture and Mugabe is a political system.
“So, any attempt to dismantle this system constructed by the president
over the past 40 years or so is not a walk in the park.
“My general sense is that…Mugabe will be taken from the State House to
the National Heroes Acre when the time comes. Succession will be through
death not Mutodi’s hallucinations, dreams and delusions,” Ruhanya said.
“…Mugabe is also not an ordinary member of Zanu PF, but epitomises the
political culture of that party. And those who want him to go
unprocedurally should know that he who wields the sword against the prince
will not get the crown,” he added.
Human rights activist Gladys Hlatywayo said at Zanu PF’s recent annual
conference, the only thing that had come out was “the usual singing of
praises” for Mugabe.
“It is therefore hypocritical and outright cowardice for characters like
Mutodi to suggest whatever they are talking about … they are as scared
as a mouse,” she said.
Political analyst Maxwell Saungweme also said what Mutodi had articulated
was the wish of many Zanu PF members, although this would not happen.
Meanwhile, the ruling party’s succession wars are intensifying at a time
that calls are increasing, particularly from war veterans, for Mugabe to
retire – citing his old age and poor health.
The party is embroiled in a bitter wrangle to succeed Mugabe, who turns 93
next month, with Mnangagwa’s alleged Team Lacoste locking horns with a
party faction known as Generation 40 (G40) which is rabidly opposed to the
Midlands godfather.
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