Mutasa returns as Zanu PF Elder 

Source: Mutasa returns as Zanu PF Elder – herald

Joseph Madzimure

Zimpapers Politics Hub

Former Zanu PF Secretary for Administration, Cde Didymus Mutasa, has bounced back as a member of the ruling party’s Elders’ Council, bringing his extensive experience and knowledge back into the party.

He was expelled from Zanu PF in 2015 for undermining party leadership under the late former President Robert Mugabe.

Cde Mutasa was later readmitted in 2018 under the leadership of President Mnangagwa.

Speaking at a Press conference yesterday, Zanu PF Secretary for Information and Publicity, Cde Christopher Mutsvangwa, announced that Cde Mutasa had been elevated to the Elders’ Council following consideration of his rich history and the significant roles he played during and after the liberation struggle.

“President Mnangagwa has opened the door to accommodate all comrades who may have gone in another direction during the armed struggle, even after independence. We might have argued here and there, but that does not separate us.

“One of the stewards of the Zimbabwe revolution who has been on the margins has been brought back to the party to become a member of the Zanu PF Elders’ Council.

“I am here to inform you that former Zanu PF Secretary for Administration, Cde Didymus Mutasa, has joined the Elders’ Council,” said Cde Mutsvangwa.

Cde Mutsvangwa commended President Mnangagwa for extending a hand of reconciliation to all who contributed to the liberation struggle.

“This is President Mnangagwa stretching out the hand of accommodation to all those who participated in the liberation of Zimbabwe.

“It was not an easy walk during the liberation struggle. There was no manual written for ZANU or ZAPU, ZIPRA or ZANLA during the war. We were grappling along the way as we fought the Rhodesians.

“Throughout the journey, there were misunderstandings, especially among the young people who were engaged in the war. We were a generation aged between 13 and 22. When people look back, they might recognise a sense of maturity regarding their past actions. Mistakes may have occurred, leading some to perceive them as weak. However, each of them left their homes in Zimbabwe to fight for a cause. This cannot be overlooked; it reflects their revolutionary spirit.

“Cde Mutasa has returned and will be joining the Council of Elders, bringing with him his profound knowledge,” said Cde Mutsvangwa.

He also hinted that other comrades, including Cde Rugare Gumbo, among others, would be accommodated in the party.

Before the country attained independence from Britain, Cde Mutasa was Chairman of the Cold Comfort Farm Society, a non-racial co‑operative community.

After independence, he served as Zimbabwe’s first Speaker of Parliament from 1980 to 1990.

He also served as the Member of Parliament for Makoni North, as a member of the Zanu PF Politburo, and as the party’s Secretary for Administration.