SOME Zanu PF top officials and party activists believed to be sympathetic to former Vice-President Joice Mujuru were on Saturday blocked from attending a celebration party at Vice-President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s rural home in Zvishavane. STAFF REPORTER
Party youths led by Mnangagwa’s close ally, Owen Ncube, stood at the main gate screening all perceived Mujuru allies.
One of the biggest causalities was Mines deputy minister Fred Moyo, who after being initially allowed in, was fished out and sent packing.
This came as Mujuru had shortly sent a congratulatory message to Mnangagwa wishing him the best in his new position.
“The Honourable Dr Joice Mujuru congratulates Cde ED Mnangagwa and Cde Phelekezela Mphoko on being appointed first and second VPs respectively,” she said in a statement at the weekend.
“I wish you the best and success in your new positions.”
Mujuru was relieved of her party and government duties last week over allegations of plotting to topple President Robert Mugabe.
She has, however, denied the charge claiming her ouster was engineered by her detractors.
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Meanwhile, the celebration party held at Mnangagwa’s posh and imposing rural home in Mapanzure village gave the poverty-stricken villagers a rare taste of grandeur and merry-making enjoyed by the ruling party’s top gurus back Harare.
Mnangagwa slaughtered them five cattle, a number of goats and countless chickens, dished out an assortment of beverages including expensive whiskeys and promised them more bashes until year end.
He told his guests that he would hold more parties at his Sherwood Block Farm, 14km outside Kwekwe, and at Mugabe’s rural home in Zvimba.
“They will be another party in Zvimba which will be attended by politburo and central committee members to thank our president for the love,” Mnangagwa declared.
“The other will be in Kwekwe at my farm. This one will be over a number of days and there will be enough food and drink for everyone.”
His fancy rural mansion sits on a mountain top overlooking several squalid pole-and-dagga homesteads — effectively separating him from the rest of the villagers in this tiny Mapanzure village in terms of financial and social status.
Speaking at the same function, Mnangagwa’s eldest son, Emmerson (Jr) said he wanted to surpass his father’s political achievements and was targeting the presidency.
“I have always been taught to do better than my parents. The standards which you have set for us dad (Emmerson) and mom (politburo member Auxilia) are high, but attainable,” he said.
Emmerson Jnr has already launched his own political career after being elected into the Midlands provincial youth league executive.
