VICE-PRESIDENT Emmerson Mnangagwa’s war veteran allies are
planning a “crunch rally” in Harare next week to consolidate their position in
the Zanu PF succession conundrum and “provide a clear idea of where the country
is going” in a fresh campaign targeting President Robert Mugabe.
The war veterans’ rally, tentatively slated for November 3,
is meant to pre-empt their rival, First Lady Grace Mugabe’s interface rally
with apostolic sect members in the capital.
Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans’ Association
(ZNLWVA) secretary-general, Victor Matemadanda told NewsDay yesterday that
Mnangagwa had become the remaining symbol of the liberation struggle in Zanu PF
following the ruling party’s alleged capture by Mugabe’s G40 faction, which he
claimed was anti-war veterans.
“It has been reported that we want Mnangagwa as our
candidate for elections next year. We have never said that, but our defence of
Mnangagwa is coming from the fact that the President has been clear that war
veterans have no role in Zanu PF.
“He (Mugabe) has been at the forefront of attacking war
veterans and getting them expelled from the party. Mnangagwa now represents the
remaining remnants of those that fought in the struggle, along with (Oppah)
Muchinguri, (Kembo) Mohadi and (Simon) Khaya Moyo, among a few others,”
Matemadanda said.
The war veterans, once the fulcrum of Mugabe’s rule, have
become the Zanu PF leader’s biggest critics and have demanded he cedes power to
Mnangagwa.
Matemadanda disparaged Mugabe’s contribution to the war
effort.
“We all know that Mugabe never fired a gun, he was never at
the front and it explains his disdain for war veterans. So when we come out in
defence. newsday
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