Zanu PF youths have pledged support for President Mnangagwa amidst rising tensions with Vice President Chiwenga. Deputy Secretary John Paradza declared the youth’s commitment to counter planned protests from war veterans seeking change. The factional strife indicates significant challenges for the party leading to the 2027 congress.
Zanu PF youths have expressed their support for President Emmerson Mnangagwa amid a power struggle with Vice President Constantino Chiwenga. During the launch of Mnangagwa’s Youth Fund in Harare, Deputy Secretary for Youth Affairs John Paradza affirmed the youth’s determination to prevent planned protests by discontented war veterans. This scenario appears reminiscent of the 2017 political landscape, where loyalty to Mnangagwa became a contentious issue.
At the event, Paradza stated, “What I can assure you is that as long as I still deputise Machakaire in this wing there will not be any demonstration.” He sought to reassure attendees, emphasizing that the youth league’s role is to protect the President and the party’s integrity. He dismissed social media rumors regarding upcoming protests as inconsequential.
War veterans, led by Blessed Geza, are organizing a demonstration on March 31, targeting Mnangagwa’s alleged corrupt associates, while urging national participation. Meanwhile, Geza has publicly criticized Mnangagwa and his allies, positioning Chiwenga as a more suitable leader capable of addressing Zimbabwe’s issues.
Information Minister Jenfan Muswere derided Geza’s claims, labeling them as delusional and indicative of misplaced ambition. Zanu PF seems to be experiencing significant factional strife ahead of its 2027 elective congress, raising doubts about Chiwenga’s prospects—previously believed to be Mnangagwa’s successor. These conflicts have escalated from private meetings to public statements, involving comments even from party spokesperson Christopher Mutsvangwa, who has criticized Chiwenga’s credentials.
The internal dynamics of Zanu PF reveal a complex power struggle as youths rally in support of President Emmerson Mnangagwa against criticisms from war veterans and rival factions. The party is witnessing open conflict as figures like Deputy Secretary John Paradza express firm allegiance to Mnangagwa, while dissenting voices like Blessed Geza call for reform. This conflict underscores the challenges ahead of Zanu PF as it approaches its crucial 2027 congress, signaling potential shifts in leadership and party cohesion.
Original Source: www.newzimbabwe.com
