For the whole of 2014, Zanu PF was locked in bitter factional fights. The fights culminated in the purge of former Vice-President Joice Mujuru and several party heavy weights perceived to have been working with her in an alleged plot to assassinate President Robert Mugabe.
NewsDay Comment
While the majority of people hoped that this year would witness an end to factional fights and force Zanu PF to focus on nation building, Mugabe’s party is entangled in yet another bitter factional battle, this time against Vice-President Emmerson Mnangagwa and his allies.
The developments last week point to another brutal purge and even bitter fights. It is hoped that this would not degenerate into violence given political commissar Saviour Kasukuwere is itching for a fight, judging by his declaration — “let’s go for a bareknuckle fight”.
President Robert Mugabe
Mugabe’s wife, Grace has already set the ball rolling against Mnangagwa, overturning temporary celebrations by the same faction that they were gaining an upper hand over the ambitious Generation 40 group which includes Kasukuwere, Higher Education minister Jonathan Moyo and Youth minister Patrick Zhuwao and the First Lady.
Several bitter verbal exchanges have erupted between Mugabe’s spokesperson, George Charamba and Moyo and then war veterans minister Christopher Mutsvangwa and the latter.
It is regrettable that all these fights are happening at a time government is supposed to be more united in the face of extreme food shortages and the worst agricultural season in over a generation. Besides, the economy is hurtling towards a hellhole with no end in sight. It seems Mugabe and his wife are enjoying the suffering of the majority of Zimbabweans. Were it not to their advantage the President could have stopped all this madness threatening the existence of the former liberation organisation. Which leader would rejoice in the suffering of his people except for Mugabe — all for the love of power and for the sake of it?
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The Zimbabwe Revenue Authority has reported dwindling revenue collections, and the country is being forced into austerity measures. Unemployment is soaring above 90%. Industry is chocked and the people are suffering more than ever before.
Worse still, Zimbabwe is faced with a devastating El Niño-induced drought and reports show that over 16 000 cattle have died so far and more could succumb to the famine across the country. Truth is, Zanu PF cannot fight and feed the nation at the same time.
Over three million Zimbabweans are in need of food aid, especially in dry regions of Masvingo, Midlands and Matabeleland. Yet, Mugabe simply can’t see past the end of his nose. What a tragedy for a leader who was all along considered a hero?
We wonder whether he would have any legacy to leave unless if he puts a stop to all this unnecessary fighting that has potential to further isolate the country from the rest of the world.
We believe the Zanu PF party should avoid these fights and address the myriad of challenges the country is facing. The country’s infrastructure is collapsing and virtually everything needs attention. Hence, the President should redefine his priorities and address bread and butter issues. Is it not ironic that the suffering people elected a government to represent them and address these challenges? With these dog fights, the people are the biggest losers.
Mugabe should work towards unity and put more of his energy on government work than these petty power fights.
We urge the President to spare a thought for the people and save millions of dollars being spent on factional fights on the welfare of the majority whose aspirations have been destroyed. They need to live, and his duty is to make life better for them. What does it benefit Mugabe to have political power and rule over dying people?
