Zanu-PF in VP dilemma

FORMER Zanu-PF politburo member Dumiso Dabengwa says there is no one among former Zapu members who is capable of succeeding the late John Nkomo as State Vice-President.

It was agreed at the signing of the Unity Accord in 1987 that one of the Vice-Presidents will come from the former Zapu, but Dabengwa sees a leadership vacuum.

"I cannot tip anyone," he said. "I do not know who to classify as fitting to be a representative of-PF Zapu there to be vice-president of Zanu and subsequently the country. There is no one."

Dabengwa said those positioning themselves for the Vice-Presidency did not have suitable qualifications.

"It is a much clouded affair, most of those clamouring really do not have the qualifications for the post," he said.

"I do not want to call it a (leadership) vacuum, but I do not see anyone in there (Zanu-PF) fitting in the shoes of John Nkomo to be vice-president of that party and the country."

Zanu-PF chairman Simon Khaya Moyo is considered a front runner to succeed Nkomo, although there are reports that the party's economic affairs secretary Obert Mpofu is also eyeing the post. Senate Deputy President Naison Khutshwekhaya Moyo is a dark horse for the post, as he is the most senior surviving Zapu member.

Nkomo died in January and Zanu-PF is yet to open discussions on who will succeed him, although there are reports that tensions are running high. Dabengwa's comments come in the wake of rumours that he had been approached by Zanu-PF members who wanted him back in the party so he could assume the vice-presidency. The Zapu leader denied that he had been approached, insisting that he was content leading his party.

Dabengwa quit Zanu-PF to join Simba Makoni's Mavambo/Kusile/Dawn movement in 2008. After the elections he resuscitated Zapu, which he leads.