G40 makes comeback
Former President Robert Mugabe’s allies and several G40-linked names are plotting a political comeback after they were cleared to contest in ZANU PF's central committee elections set for this weekend.
This followed a decision to waive restrictions, which could have relegated them into the political dustbin ahead of the Zanu PF congress later this month. The central committee is Zanu PF’s highest decision-making body in-between congresses.
ZANU PF commissar Mike Bimha told journalists that several party cadres who had wanted to contest were left hanging in the balance because they did not meet the set criteria of serving the party for 15 consecutive years. Mthuli Ncube has now been afforded the waiver, he will be standing for election in the Bulawayo province. Same as Sekai Nzenza and former Health Minister Obadiah Moyo who will contest in Mashonaland East and Harare respectively.
In Midlands, ex-Ministers and former Mugabe close allies Flora Buka, Francis Nhema (Environment), and Simbarashe Mumbengegwi (Foreign Affairs) were cleared to contest against national consultative assembly member Breakfast Ncube and ex-Allied Timbers chairperson Emmanuel Fundira.
In Mashonaland West, ex-ministers Priscah Mupfumira (Environment) and Webster Shamu (Policy Implementation) are set to make comeback. Ex-ministers Christopher Mushohwe (Information), Supa Mandiwanzira (ICT), Marian Chombo (Local Government deputy minister), and Sydney Sekeramayi (Defence) — all former close Mugabe allies — are also eyeing central committee positions.
In Mashonaland Central, James Makamba, Chenhamo Chimutengwende, Nicholas Goche (State Security minister), Alice Chimbudzi, Sam Parirenyatwa, Angeline Tongogara, Paul Mazikana, Fortune Chasi (former Energy minister) Lazarus Dokora (ex-Education minister) and Douglas Karoro (out on bail), among others, are contesting.
There were also casualties in the vetting process including Former Chivi South MP Killer Zivhu, former ministers Bright Matonga (Information), Terrence Mukupe (Finance deputy), and Chegutu West MP Dexter Nduna who had their candidatures turned down. Party members in Mashonaland West province were shocked after Mnangagwa gave the nod to the controversial Mike Chimombe (out on bail) to participate in the elections.
Mugabe was removed from power during an urgent central committee meeting held in November 2017, which is now the subject of court proceedings by party faithful Sybeth Musengezi
