Zanu-PF Politburo to meet

Zanu-PF Politburo is meeting in Harare today amid indications that deliberations will centre on a number of issues including the fate of its Second Secretary, Emmerson Mnangagwa, who was relieved from his Government position as Vice President on Monday.

The party's secretary for information and publicity Simon Khaya confirmed the meeting yesterday without revealing its agenda.

"Yes, we are having a Politburo meeting tomorrow," he said.

It is understood that several issues will be up for discussion at today's meeting.

Zanu-PF insiders said the fate of Mnangagwa was likely to be sealed today.

The meeting is also expected to take stock on the preparedness for the extra ordinary congress slated for next month.

"We have not been favoured with the agenda by the secretary for administration (Ignatius Chombo) but I can tell you that the issue of Mnangagwa will be discussed," said a party official.

"We are also going to the congress and the various sub-committees set to oversee the preparations of the congress are also likely to give progress reports on how they have fared so far.

"Also of importance to the party is the amendment of the party constitution to accommodate a female Vice President in the Presidium. Patrick Chinamasa as the secretary for legal affairs should give a progress report on the ground covered regarding the amendment of the constitution to reflect this view that has come from all the party's organs."

This comes in the wake of calls from party provinces to elevate Zanu-PF secretary for Women Affairs, Dr Grace Mugabe to the position of Vice President.

The Youth League on Monday said Dr Mugabe was the right candidate for that position given her unquestionable loyalty to the party and President Mugabe.

On Monday, Zanu-PF secretary for youth affairs Kudzanai Chipanga said: "For the avoidance of doubt, the Zanu-PF Youth League is fully behind the secretary for Women's Affairs, Amai Dr Grace Mugabe, in calling for the urgent removal of Mnangagwa from the position of Vice President of both party and Government," he said.

"That position is a straightjacket and must be handed back to the Women's League. The Women's League will guide us on the way forward regarding their preferred candidate. However, keeping in mind that the woman Vice President shall be Vice President of the whole nation, Youth League included, it had ignited us to take interest and position in the selection of the woman Vice President candidate. It has to be one who is acceptable and with unquestionable loyalty to the party and its principal, the President RG Mugabe, and more importantly, one without ambitions to work against the President. The only person possessing such qualities is the leader of the Women's League, Dr Grace Mugabe."