G40 now in a tight corner, battling for survival

The G40 faction in Zanu PF is now in a tight corner and battling to survive, amid reports that more of its members have been targeted for investigation by the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (Zacc).

Analysts said the G40 faction appears to be the sole target of the anti-corruption drive being spearheaded by the rival Team Lacoste camp allegedly linked to Vice-President Emmerson Mnangagwa.

Higher and Tertiary Education minister Jonathan Moyo, who is reportedly the brains behind G40 and his deputy Godfrey Gandawa were last week arrested by Zacc on allegations of abusing over $400 000 Zimbabwe Manpower Development Fund (Zimdef) funds. There are also reports that another key member of G40, Local Government minister; Saviour Kasukuwere (pictured right) is likely to be arrested anytime soon over a stands scam.

However, senior Zanu PF and government officials linked to Team Lacoste, who face allegations of corruption, appear to have escaped the probe, at least for now.

University of Zimbabwe political science lecturer, Eldred Masunungure said although the situation in Zanu PF was fluid, Mnangagwa seemed to be carrying the day.

"Not so long ago I think many were drafting an obituary for the Team Lacoste, that it is finished and awaiting political burial. In other words, the stakes were on the side of G40 but it has now shifted to the other side. Clearly Team Lacoste is now on the ascendency," Masunungure said.

"This time around it appears the stakes may be stuck in the Team Lacoste side and that perhaps the master thinker of G40 [President Robert Mugabe] has decided to rather work with one of the two factions."

He added: "If that is the case, then we are witnessing another form of operation Mujuru part two, which is the demolition of G40 but with the blessing of the president though he may not pronounce it himself publicly as part of his Machiavellian manipulation."

Masunungure added that the issue of corruption resonated well with the public — to generate public anger against those fingered saying these might be the last days of G40.

"We may be witnessing the last days of G40, which does not mean, however, that it is plain sailing for Team Lacoste. We might be seeing a recreation of another faction which will oppose Team Lacoste but as we speak, G40 is in serious problems. We might not say it is buried but it is in the intensive care unit," he said.

However, another political analyst Ibbo Mandaza said it was too early to see how the matter would end although it was clear Zanu PF was imploding.

"Basically, the party has imploded. G40 will survive because the head of G40 is Mugabe himself. Lacoste cannot go in front of the old man and also, we don't know what is in store for G40. It's too early yet," he said.

Zimbabwe Democracy Institute director Pedzisai Ruhanya, however, said what was happening now was immaterial at this point because all that mattered in Zanu PF was Mugabe and the survival of the party.

"If you look at the posturing of Mugabe, he is looking at the broader survival of Zanu PF and himself. These factions are not as important if you look at the matter in a broader sense. What is important is the future of Zanu PF in the upcoming elections and what will be the future of the State under Zanu PF and the legacy of Mugabe as a leader.

"If you look at those factions, they fundamentally survive to make sure the president is secure in his leadership and also that the party is secure in terms of its capacity to remain in power," Ruhanya said, adding that with the fluid factional politics, it could be Moyo today and tomorrow it could be Mnangagwa in trouble.