'Mnangagwa has no faction'

GOKWE-NEMBUDZIYA MP Justice Mayor Wadyajena (Zanu-PF) has said Justice minister Emmerson Mnangagwa was not a leader of any faction and blamed other officials in the ruling party of fanning divisions.

Addressing party supporters during the ground-breaking ceremony at Buno Primary School in his constituency on Monday, Wadyajena said those fanning divisions and accusing Mnangagwa of leading a faction should be disciplined.

He said youths were happy with the decision by the Women's League to elect the First Lady Grace Mugabe as its leader.

"We are happy with what happened in Mazowe on Friday (last week). Women met in Mazowe at the First Lady's place and asked her if she could lead the Women's League. We thank you and as youths, we agree with you on that one," Wadyajena said.

"Others will be angry with what our mothers said and will go to traditional healers, but the First Lady will lead. She doesn't bribe people, but she was asked to lead."

He claimed that there were reports of some Zanu-PF leaders bribing the electorate ahead of the Women League and Youth League congresses.

"We hear you are being given groceries here. You can't be bought. You are worth more than groceries," Wadyajena said.

"Don't be embroiled in what they are calling factions that we don't know as youths. Other people are campaigning for youths (ahead of congress) lying that there is factionalism in Zanu-PF with one led by Cde Mnangagwa. Mnangagwa has no faction."

Wadyajena's statement seemed to target the party's secretary for administration Didymus Mutasa who recently accused Mnangagwa of leading a faction in Zanu-PF.

Wadyajena is reportedly gunning for leadership of the Youth League.

The MP is said to be loyal to Mnangagwa and has the Justice minister's backing to land the top post. Mutasa, on the other hand, is said to be lobbying for Kudzayi Chipanga of Manicaland to take the post.