Mugabe's Zanu-PF fears MPs rebellion

Fear persists in Zanu-PF that a significant number of MPs will sabotage crucial motions and vote against the party in parliament as factional undercurrents persist.

Inside sources said the majority of MPs aligned to Joice Mujuru were still bitter at the manner in which they and their faction leaders were treated during last year's congress and would use their positions in parliament to hit back.

Emmerson Mnangagwa replaced Mujuru as President Robert Mugabe's senior vice president, alongside a dark horse, Phelekezela Mphoko, who represents the former-PF Zapu.

"Most of the MPs who supported Mujuru in the succession race have chosen to withdraw into their shells, but they are bitter. They will use any arsenal at their disposal to revenge, including voting against party positions. The chief whip will have a torrid time," said a senior party member who declined to be named.

The MPs lack the courage to come out in the open regarding their loyalty, he said, because they do not know where the wind will be blowing next. So far, none of them has openly supported a planned legal campaign by Didymus Mutasa, the former secretary for administration, to challenge the outcome of the congress.

The Zimbabwean talked to several of the MPs linked to Mujuru, but they all declined to comment. Chimanimani West MP Munacho Mutezo, who was removed from his deputy ministerial post, said he was focusing on farming. "I don't have a comment, save to say that I am concentrating on my farm now. I am also doing some work in the constituency and I remain a party cadre," said Mutezo.

The former Harare provincial chairman, Amos Midzi, said: "I am enjoying my life and that is all I will say to you!"

A previously agreed personal interview with Temba Mliswa, who was removed from the Mashonaland West provincial chairmanship, did not materialise when he ignored subsequent calls. However, in a brief telephone interview, he said: "Politics is a journey and as a party leader, you live another day."

The source said some of the MPs were having second thoughts about supporting Mujuru and would toe the party line for their political survival. "I know of one or two who have apologised to Mnangagwa, saying they were misled by the Mujuru faction leaders," he said.

Joram Gumbo, the Zanu-PF chief whip in parliament, claimed factionalism in Zanu-PF was over and the MPs were now united. "Our MPs were not affected by factionalism. Even those who were removed from senior positions are part of Team Zanu-PF. So far, I have not seen any problems and we will continue to support each other whenever motions are moved," he said.

President Robert Mugabe has admitted that factionalism is rife in his party, but Gumbo said: "If the president is still seeing factionalism in the party and among the MPs, why don't you go and ask him for evidence?" Recent unconfirmed reports indicated that Zanu-PF intended to recall the MPs loyal to Mujuru, but the party has dismissed the claims.