Mnangagwa, Chiwenga smoke peace pipe

Factionalism within ZANU PF took a surprising turn over the weekend with reports that President Emmerson Mnangagwa and Vice President Constantino Chiwenga have found each other ahead of the December ZANU PF conference.

Vice President Chiwenga shocked many people on Saturday when he declared his undying support for President Mnangagwa at a rally held in Zvimba.

A Central Committee source from Mashonaland East opened up on the new developments in the party.

"The President and the Vice President have met and agreed to heal the cracks in the party in pursuit of unity, peace and development. The bold and emphatic statement that you heard coming from the Vice President at the Zvimba rally was a public confirmation that unity is now being pursued in the party." The source said.

ZANU PF is reportedly planning to effect a number of  changes a to  the party's constitution and a clause that will recognize former President Robert Gabriel  Mugabe as the founding Father of ZANU PF.

"You will notice that at the conference a number of changes will take place. The first one is the amendment of the constitution tom formally recognise VaMugabe as the founding father of the party.

"Also party of the progressive path agreed by the President and Vice President is to renew the politiburo and inject fresh blood that will redirect party in line with the contemporary dictates of the 2nd Republic.

"You might see the new look Politburo having people like David Parirenyatwa, Sydney Sekeramayi, Edna Madzongwe  and Chris Mushowe booted out. People like Cde Raj Modi , Energy Mutodi , Mike Madiro and Jonathan Mangwiro drafted in."

ZANU-PF has tentatively set December 11 to 16 as dates for its 17th Annual National People's Conference to be held in Esigodini, Matabeleland South Province, where 5 000 delegates are expected to attend.