MAJOR POLITICAL SHIFT IN ZANU PF AS WAR VETERANS DEFEAT MNANGAGWA’S ALLIES
In a big change in Zimbabwe’s politics, two of President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s close allies, Christopher Mutsvangwa and Victor Matemadanda, have lost their positions in the Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans Association. This happened yesterday during an elective congress in Gweru. The defeat marks a shift in the political balance within Zanu PF, as the war veterans are an important political group within the party.
Mutsvangwa, who was last elected as the leader of the war veterans in 2013, lost in a landslide to Cephas Ncube from Bulawayo. The congress was held at the Zanu PF Convention Centre in the Midlands capital, and this loss came as a surprise to many, especially since it happened in Mnangagwa’s political stronghold.
Cephas Ncube won 294 votes, while Mutsvangwa, who is a big name in Zanu PF, came in last with just 11 votes. This huge defeat shows how unpopular Mutsvangwa has become. Ncube is now the new chairperson of the war veterans, making him the top leader of this important group. Another key Mnangagwa ally, Victor Matemadanda, did not perform much better. He came in third place with 75 votes, while Albert Ncube from Matabeleland North took second place with 90 votes. Matemadanda’s loss is also a significant blow, as he has been a close supporter of Mnangagwa.
The new vice chairperson, Shorai Nyamangondo, was elected unopposed. The new executive also includes Joel Murerengwa as Secretary-General, Thomas Manyima for Legal Affairs, Vincent Chinone for Transport, Section Ncube for Finance, Sanik Nguni for Security, Nyembesi Togara for Women Affairs, and Samuel Parirenyatwa as Political Commissar. It is interesting to note that there are now three members of the executive with the surname Ncube, who are said to support Vice President Constantino Chiwenga.
Mutsvangwa and Matemadanda, on the other hand, have been long-time supporters of Mnangagwa, although they have been losing influence recently. When Mnangagwa came into power in 2017, Mutsvangwa was one of his advisers. He was later made the Minister of War Veterans during Mnangagwa’s second term. However, Mutsvangwa’s relationship with Mnangagwa has deteriorated over time. He was first removed from his role as adviser in 2018 and then fired as Minister of War Veterans earlier this year in February. Matemadanda, who is the outgoing secretary-general of the war veterans and currently serving as Zimbabwe’s ambassador to Mozambique, was also Zanu PF’s political commissar but has now lost his position within the war veterans.
The defeat of Mutsvangwa and Matemadanda comes at a critical time for Zanu PF, as the party is preparing for its annual conference on October 22 in Bulawayo. The outcome of this congress appears to shift power in favor of Vice President Chiwenga, who is in a power struggle with Mnangagwa over the leadership of the party and the country.
This power struggle between Mnangagwa and Chiwenga is becoming more intense as both men fight for control of the country’s political future. Mnangagwa is currently serving his second term as president, but there are reports that he is trying to extend his rule beyond the 2028 constitutional limit. While Mnangagwa publicly denies these plans, Chiwenga and his faction are against Mnangagwa staying in power beyond 2028. This internal struggle is causing tensions within Zanu PF, as the future leadership of the party remains uncertain.
Mnangagwa’s time in office has not brought about the major changes that many Zimbabweans were hoping for after the end of Robert Mugabe’s long rule. Instead, Mnangagwa’s leadership has been seen as more of the same, offering continuity rather than a much-needed break from the past. The recent loss of his allies in the war veterans’ congress adds another layer of complexity to Mnangagwa’s political future as he faces growing challenges from within his own party.
Another attempt to stir up division within ZANU PF. Mutsvangwa and Matemadanda have served this country with dedication, and a few votes won’t erase their legacy. The opposition loves to see our internal processes as weaknesses, but this party is stronger than ever.
This so-called power shift is nothing but media hype. Mutsvangwa and Matemadanda may have lost their positions, but that doesn’t change the fact that ZANU PF remains united behind President Mnangagwa. The war veterans are the backbone of this country, and any internal elections won’t disrupt the stability and progress that we’ve achieved.
It’s about time we saw some real shifts in ZANU PF! The election of Cephas Ncube and the sidelining of Mnangagwa’s allies show that the party is finally realizing that it needs fresh leadership. Maybe now we’ll see a move away from the stagnation and towards something better for Zimbabwe. The internal divisions within ZANU PF are becoming more visible, and it’s clear that Mnangagwa’s faction is losing influence. Chiwenga’s growing power could be a game-changer for Zimbabwe’s political future. The fact that Mnangagwa’s closest allies were soundly defeated speaks volumes about the direction the party is headed.
This is a clear sign that Mnangagwa is losing his grip on power. The overwhelming defeat of Mutsvangwa and Matemadanda shows that even within ZANU PF, people are tired of the old guard and are ready for change. This could mark the beginning of a new era for Zimbabwe.