Crunch meetings for war veterans

The Ministry of Welfare Services for War Veterans, War Collaborators, Former Political Detainees and Restrictees will hold two outreach meetings in Manicaland and Mashonaland West provinces over the weekend to discuss their welfare and political status in Zanu-PF among other things.

The meetings are the last two of an outreach being held following the meeting between President Mugabe and war veterans on April 7, this year.

Meanwhile, faced with warning popularity and serious divisions within his Zanu-PF party, President Robert Mugabe has given War Veterans ministry 13 Ford Ranger cars in a bid to win back their support.

This disgruntled former liberation struggle fighters, once seen as the backbone of Mugabe's rule have been openly criticizing the nonagerian leader over his mismanagement of the economy, resulting in a serious fall out. But Mugabe moved in yesterday and handed over the cars, in a move analysts believe is meant to mend relations.

Mugabe has warned the warring factions within his party to stop mudsliding in public and instead use party channels to settle disputes. Zanu-PF secretary for administration, Ignatius Chombo said Mugabe had called on his troops to be united and avoid the public spats that have continued to afflict the party.

Mugabe's call comes after a series of public fights by Zanu-PF protagonists angling to succeed the 92 year old leader. Higher Education minister Jonathan Moyo and political commissar Saviour Kasukuwere have accused VP Emmerson Mnangagwa of capturing State institutions to fight G40, a rival faction also harbouring ambitions for power.