Zanu PF chairman SK Moyo stamps authority

Politics
ZANU PF National chairman Simon Khaya Moyo has flexed his muscle and seems to have put an end to a number of votes of no confidence motions that were being passed on party provincial chairmen.

ZANU PF National chairman Simon Khaya Moyo has flexed his muscle and seems to have put an end to a number of votes of no confidence motions that were being passed on party provincial chairmen. CHIEF REPORTER

Moyo has been silent over a string of no confidence motions that had been passed on chairmen perceived to be loyal to Vice-President Joice Mujuru.

 Vice-President Joice Mujuru
Vice-President Joice Mujuru

It is not clear what prompted Moyo to act, but speculation is rife that the no confidence motion passed on Langa on Monday may have motivated him.

With the votes of no confidence clearly taking a factional dimension, Mujuru and Moyo were set to be the biggest losers ahead of next month’s clearly high stakes congress.

Langa, as chairman of Matabeleland South — a province Moyo comes from — was the first to endorse the Zanu PF national chairman for the vacant vice-presidency slot.

Had the vote of no confidence in Langa succeeded, it would have seriously dented Moyo’s chances for the vice-presidency.

Moyo announced that the votes of no confidence were not effective, as they had not been brought to the party’s national disciplinary committee.

The Zanu PF’s national chairman’s announcement all but puts on ice all votes of no confidence passed on five party chairmen, save that of Temba Mliswa in Mashonaland West.

Zanu PF spokesperson Rugare Gumbo had expressed dismay at the no confidence motions, describing them as a free for all.

Zanu PF spokesperson Rugare Gumbo
Zanu PF spokesperson Rugare Gumbo

Yesterday, Gumbo said he was unaware of Moyo’s intervention, although the votes of no confidence motions were likely to be addressed at today’s politburo meeting.

“I only read it in the papers today (yesterday) and no one has briefed me on that,” he said.

“However, the suspensions might be up for discussion during Thursday’s (today) politburo meeting.”

Moyo was considered to have all but bagged the vice-presidency, but the recent resurgence of a rival faction, reportedly led by Justice minister, Emmerson Mnangagwa and with the explicit backing of First Lady Grace Mugabe, seems to have scuppered the national chairman’s hopes for the post.

A concerted attack on Mujuru has also pegged back the fortunes of her perceived allies, who have had to bear the brunt of unprecedented public and media attacks.