FIERCE factional fights are threatening to derail preparations for Zanu PF’s annual people’s conference scheduled for Masvingo in December, amid reports that the party was divided over the venue of the yearly meeting.
By Tatenda Chitagu
One camp, said to be sympathetic to First Lady Grace Mugabe, is reportedly pushing for the conference to be held at Masvingo Sports Club in the city, while the rival faction linked to Vice-President Emmerson Mnangagwa has chosen Great Zimbabwe monuments, where President Robert Mugabe’s 92nd birthday bash was held in February this year.
Zanu PF sources said the party’s secretary for administration, Ignatious Chombo last week made a hasty trip to the province to meet the warring factions and tour the two sites.
“There was haggling in front of Chombo when he toured possible venue facilities last week. Each faction threw brickbats and as such Chombo went back without making a decision on the venue, as he said he was going to consult,” a source said.
Zanu PF provincial chairperson, Amassa Nenjana yesterday confirmed to Southern Eye that the party leadership had not yet resolved the impasse over the venue.
“There are provisional venues suggested, but we have not yet decided on the final venue. It is not like there are disagreements, but people will be expressing their views and suggesting the venue they think is proper,” he said.
- Chamisa under fire over US$120K donation
- Mavhunga puts DeMbare into Chibuku quarterfinals
- Pension funds bet on Cabora Bassa oilfields
- Councils defy govt fire tender directive
Keep Reading
“We will meet as the PCC (provincial coordinating committee) and make a recommendation, which we will forward to the party seniors.”
The two factions recently traded barbs in Mugabe’s presence after the veteran politician tried unsuccessfully, on two occasions, to bring them to order — first at a meeting held in Chiredzi and later at State House in Harare.
In 2003, the province hosted the conference at the then Masvingo Teachers College, which is now being used by Great Zimbabwe University.
