Zanu-PF crunch time!

The ruling Zanu-PF's politburo will today hold a crucial and potentially explosive meeting in the capital, set to change the methodology of electing the party's presidium and members into key positions, in a bid to stem growing factionalism.

Two distinct factions have emerged in Zanu-PF - one reportedly led by Vice-President Joice Mujuru and the other by Justice minister Emmerson Mnangagwa - battling to succeed veteran nationalist, President Robert Mugabe.

Sources close to the goings on in the party said the politburo was likely to deliberate on constitutional changes to empower the party president and first secretary to appoint his or her two deputies and the national chairperson.

Further, it would also discuss the expansion of the membership of the central committee and how it would be elected.

The sources said politburo members were canvassing among themselves for certain positions to be adopted at the indaba through meetings at secluded places and via social media platforms.

"The main issue at Thursday's meeting is the way we are going to have the national leadership chosen. There is a group that wants us to maintain the old system where provinces would nominate those who they want to be in the presidium. If a person gets six provinces, that person is automatically elected," one of the sources said.

"Another position being pushed is for the president to appoint his two deputies and the national chair in line with the Unity Accord and the national constitution. This is what some of us are pushing (for) as it helps maintain loyalty and unity in the party."

Mujuru has come under a barrage of fire from the First Lady Grace Mugabe and hawks in the party, accusing her of fanning factionalism in a plot to dethrone President Mugabe.

This, the sources said, gave rise to the push for constitutional amendments to empower the president to appoint his two deputies and national chairperson.

There is also a push for the president to be mandated to appoint all politburo members.

"Whenever someone is appointed, he or she will have loyalty to the authority who appoints, unlike a situation where one is elected, the loyalty to the party leader is not as high as expected," said one politburo member who is part  of a team advocating for the president to appoint his deputies.

"I think you know that in politics what is important is having people who are obedient to the leader, we think people should serve at the pleasure of the president and no one will revolt against the party leader."

Also on the agenda of the meeting are the ongoing votes of no-confidence in four provincial chairpersons.

The politburo has to uphold or reject the dismissal of the chairpersons, Callisto Gwanetsa (Masvingo), Andrew Langa (Matabeleland South), Jason Machaya (Midlands) and Amos Midzi (Harare).

The politburo has since upheld the dismissal of Mashonaland West chairperson Temba Mliswa, while pressure is mounting for the ouster of Mashonaland East leader Ray Kaukonde. Zanu-PF spokesperson, Rugare Gumbo yesterday declined to detail what would be on the agenda of the politburo meeting, except to say: "There are a lot of issues up for discussion. The agenda - ask Cde Mutasa (Didymus).

"We will definitely discuss about the state of the party and guidelines for the forthcoming central committee elections as well as preparations for the coming congress."

Tensions are high in the ruling party amid reports that the Mnangagwa faction has turned on the heat on the Mujuru camp for allegedly fanning factionalism.