Bootlicking frenzy at Zanu-PF Politburo over VP post
By Mutsa Makuvaza
THERE was a bootlicking frenzy at the Zanu-PF Politburo meeting this week, with top party of officials from Matebeleland provinces lauding praises on President Emmerson Mnangagwa as the contest for State Vice President post enters fever pitch.
The position of Vice President became vacant last Monday after Kembo Mohadi resigned in shake following an embarrassing sexual allegations scam. The President, who has reportedly kept his cards close to his chest, is expected to replace Mohadi with a former PF-ZAPU member.
According to a report by the Zimbabwe Independent, ZANU-PF bigwigs took turns to bootlick Mnangagwa this Wednesday. The Matabeleland Zambezi Water Project, which was commissioned by Mnangagwa days ago, was reportedly used as a campaign card in the Politburo meeting by the jostling Matabeleland politicians.
The dramatic moments of bootlicking left fellow Politburo members in stitches as the Matabeleland-based members went a gear up in trying to get the attention of the presidency, reports the weekly publication.
“Politburo discussions centered on steps the government is taking to implement the MZWP and benefits it will bring to the people,” a Zanu-PF official said.
“Interestingly, it became very clear that the comrades from Matabeleland, who are former PF-ZAPU members, came to life and fiercely tried to outsmart each other to please Mnangagwa. As a result, this agenda consumed time.”
Among frontrunners for the post include Zanu-PF national spokesperson Simon Khaya-Moyo, Zanu-PF Secretary for Administration Obert Mpofu, and Primary and Secondary Education Minister Cain Mathema, who is said to be a dark horse.
Also named as a potential Mohadi successor is Speaker of Parliament Jacob Mudenda. However, it remains the President’s exclusive prerogative to appoint his deputy.
Mnangagwa can still appoint outside Zanu-PF structures, with Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF) commander Phillip Valerio Sibanda’s name also being thrown in the hat. – Zimbabwe Voice 🔺