Chinotimba to be the next war veteran boss?

BUHERA South legislator Joseph Chinotimba could be the next war veterans' boss if his bid to replace ousted Jabulan Sibanda succeeds at the marathon National Liberation war veterans' Association's (ZNLWVA) Congress set for weekend.

Chinotimba has since hit the campaign trail, visiting the country's 10 provinces in a whirlwind tour, soliciting for support.

The Buhera legislator seeks to replace Sibanda who was purportedly ousted by a group calling itself elders of the war veterans for supporting embattled Vice-President Joice Mujuru and allegedly opposing First Lady Grace Mugabe's political ascendancy, which he likened to "a bedroom and boardroom coup".

A section of the war veterans loyal to Sibanda on Wednesday held an executive meeting where they reiterated that he was still in charge.

Chinotimba declared his candidature at a meeting held at Masvingo's Chiefs Hall on Wednesday.

There are about eight candidates eyeing the position, according to Chinotimba, among them was Patrick Nyaruwata. Nyaruwata could not be reached for a comment yesterday to ascertain if he is interested.

Chinotimba said, Sibanda - his one-time ally during the contentious 2007 million man march - was "a disgrace" and that he was the right candidate to replace him.

"I am interested in the post," he declared.

"If I do not land it, then who will? I fought for the liberation of this country."

Chinotimba said other contenders for the post were inconsequential.

 "The others do not count. There are eight people who want the post, and some of them do not even know me by name," he said confidently.

"One of the contenders for the post is Nyaruwata."