Dossiers ‘war’ rocks Zanu PF indaba
· Accusations, counter-accusations at play · ED calls for unity, discipline
KUDAKWASHE CHIBVURI
The much-anticipated Zanu PF Annual National People’s Conference roars into life in Mutare tomorrow amid tensions, accusations and counter-accusations of corruption among other issues likely to affect unity in the ruling party.
Ahead of the conference, there have been dossiers flying around, first with Vice President Constantino Chiwenga making allegations of corruption against some named business tycoons, accusations later rubbished during Tuesday’s Politburo meeting by party secretary for Legal Affairs Ziyambi Ziyambi.
The party conference began Tuesday with President Emmerson Mnangagwa chairing the party Politburo meeting where he called for unity in the party.
Yesterday, the President also chaired the party Central Committee meeting in Harare and delegates are expected to travel today for the conference.
In apparent reference to Chiwenga’s corruption claims against what he termed “zvigananda”, Ziyambi called those opposition a party 2024 conference resolution to extend President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s term to 2030 as “fundamentally flawed, treasonous, and lacking appreciation of party procedures and the national constitution.”
“At its core, the document advocates for the unlawful removal of a constitutionally elected President,” Ziyambi told the Politburo meeting according to a leaked presentation posted online by various media platforms.
“Any attempt to destabilize or subvert a constitutionally elected government is treasonous,” he said.
The Zanu-PF legal secretary dismissed claims of rampant corruption within the party, which some bigwigs have accused the First Secretary of shielding.
“Zimbabwe is a constitutional democracy with well-established institutions to handle such matters,” Ziyambi said.
“Individuals have no legal mandate to investigate their perceived competitors to satisfy personal egos. These utterances are defamatory.”
During yesterday’s Central Committee meeting, President Mnangagwa expressed grave concerns over the recent loss of loyal party cadres, emphasizing that their passing comes at a crucial juncture when commitment and unity are paramount.
“It is disheartening that we continue to lose our gallant sons and daughters of the soil. This is happening at a critical time when we need loyal and patriotic cadres dedicated to serving their country,” he lamented.
President urged members to foster participatory democracy and constructive engagement, stressing that national interests must always take precedence in the country’s political affairs.
