War veterans in Midlands are lobbying Zanu PF to reserve one of the Vice-President’s slots for an ex-Zapu female member, a development that could inadvertently lead to the ouster of Vice-President Phelekezela Mphoko.
By Stephen Chadenga
As part of the 1987 Unity Accord, one Vice-President slot is reserved for former PF Zapu members, while another is held by former Zanu members.
The war veterans said they were expecting their proposal to be tabled at the Zanu PF conference slated for Victoria Falls this Saturday.
They, however, did not suggest any particular name.
Former Vice-President Joice Mujuru, an ex-Zanla cadre, is the only woman who rose through the party’s ranks to become part of the presidium.
“On the women’s quota, we recommend that a woman from former PF-Zapu be considered in the presidium, since the post was previously occupied by a person from Zanu PF,” part of the Midlands war veterans’ association resolutions read.
The resolutions come as there is a push to have one Vice-President slot reserved for a woman.
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The development to have a female Vice-President from PF Zapu is seen as a counter to moves to unseat Vice-President Emmerson Mnangagwa, who some feel should make way for a female VP.
There have been a number of resolutions for a female VP, which are seen as meant to accommodate First Lady Grace Mugabe into the presidium at Mnangagwa’s expense.
The liberation war fighters said they supported the candidature of President Robert Mugabe in the 2018 elections.
They also recommended that army generals be allowed to attend Zanu PF politburo meetings, as they were the vanguard of the country’s security system.
“We recommend that the following comrades be allowed to attend politburo meetings, General Constantine Chiwenga (Commander of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces), Air Marshal Perence Shiri (Airforce of Zimbabwe Commander) and Zimbabwe National Army commander, Philip Valerio Sibanda.”
The war veterans also recommended that the posts of Zanu PF national political commissar, secretaries for security and lands be reserved for people with liberation war credentials.
War Veterans minister Chris Mutsvangwa recently crossed swords with Zanu PF commissar, Saviour Kasukuwere, after he made the same suggestion.
