Kasukuwere says Zanu-PF behind Jonathan Moyo

Zanu-PF commissar Saviour Kasukuwere yesterday said the ruling party is fully behind Higher and Tertiary Education minister Jonathan Moyo, who is facing allegations of abusing over $450 000 from the Zimbabwe Manpower Development Fund.

Speaking at a memorial service for Moyo's late daughter Zanele who died in mysterious circumstances in South Africa last year, Kasukuwere said the minister had not violated the law.

"He is facing some allegations right now but he is doing a good job," he said.

"We [Zanu-PF] stand by him. If there is anyone who people are scared of because of his ideas, it's Professor Moyo."

He said allegations that Moyo was the brains behind the G40 faction were being peddled by rogue elements in Zanu-PF.

Kasukuwere said Moyo was forgiven for the alleged 2004 Tsholotsho declaration which sought to prop up Vice-President Emmerson Mnangagwa to take over from President Robert Mugabe.

Moyo, speaking at the same event, said it was unfortunate that everything had become politicised in Zimbabwe.

"This is an immature society we live in with immature people. If you are going to do a job for 24 hours in a day, you are accused of wanting something else. We need to work together and respect each other," he said.

"I, [Indigenisation] minister Patrick Zhuwao and Saviour Kasukuwere have been friends for a long time, but you find even friendships have now become political."

Since Zanele's death in October last year, Moyo's family has been trying to get an explanation on why her heart was removed in South Africa without their permission.

Moyo said Mugabe had intervened in the matter to no avail.

Moyo's wife Beatrice said she could barely speak as it was a struggle to get up every day knowing their daughter was no more.

"She was a human being and had her own frailties. I am not going to stand here and say because she is my child she did not have any weaknesses just like the rest of us, but Zanele was still a great woman," she said.

Zanele's close friend Mkudzei Gwatidzo told guests that the late friend was intelligent, loving, caring, beautiful, funny and a responsible person.

"In 2013, I stayed out late and my car broke down. I tried calling my friends but none could assist me, so I called Zanele. She scolded me for staying out late and switched off the phone," Gwatidzo recalled.

"However, one of our friends who is a taxi driver came to pick me up as Zanele called and pleaded with him to do so. This was the type of person Zanele was."

Moyo organised a video slideshow showcasing the family, accompanied by a song he dedicated to his late daughter.