Anti-Mnangagwa faction blocks CEO appointment in Bikita

The appointment of Archbald Ncube as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Bikita Rural District Council (RDC) has sparked intense controversy, exposing deep-seated factional tensions between groups aligned with President Emmerson Mnangagwa and Vice President Constantino Chiwenga.

Despite being approved by Local Government Minister Daniel Garwe, Ncube's appointment has faced resistance from councilors and local stakeholders, with Bikita RDC Council Chairperson Timothy Mataga leading the charge against it. Mataga has insisted that councilors and district stakeholders oppose Ncube's appointment, citing concerns over the selection process.

Mataga argued that Ncube, a former Human Resources and Admin Officer at Chibi RDC, ranked second during interviews for the post, behind acting CEO Arnold T. Mtuke. Following the interviews, the council resolved to recommend Mtuke as the substantive CEO, forwarding their decision to the minister. However, Garwe appointed Ncube, with Savory Chikomwe as an alternate candidate, in case Ncube declined.

In a letter dated January 21, Mataga formally objected to the appointment, asserting that Mtuke's performance as acting CEO and his top score in interviews made him the ideal candidate.

"Our resolution to appoint Arnold T. Mtuke was based on his performance during his period as acting CEO from March 2024 to date and his performance in the interviews. As council chairperson, I am convinced that Mtuke can take the RDC to new heights," Mataga wrote.

The dispute has highlighted the growing factionalism within Zanu-PF, with Bikita district reportedly a stronghold of the Chiwenga faction. Local Zanu-PF members, including retired General Engelbert Rugeje and Anna Rungani, have allegedly instructed Mataga to reject Ncube's appointment.

Tensions escalated when Brighton Mushekwa, a councilor from Bikita, was verbally expelled from the party by Mnangagwa loyalist and Zanu-PF national youth executive vice-chair John Paradza for refusing to chant the "ED2030" slogan.

Efforts to enforce the minister's directive faced resistance when Bikita District Development Coordinator (DDC) Bernard Hadzirabwi introduced Ncube as the new CEO on February 3. Mataga reportedly blocked the move, citing opposition from Zanu-PF members and other stakeholders.

DDC Hadzirabwi and Zanu-PF Provincial Chairperson Robson Mavhenyengwa have attempted to mediate the situation. Mavhenyengwa emphasized that Zanu-PF, as the ruling party, should not oppose decisions made by government ministers and has summoned councilors to resolve the matter.

"We as Zanu-PF cannot oppose what has been done by a government minister because the government is Zanu-PF. I have since called the councilors to hear their case," Mavhenyengwa told TellZim News.

In a new twist, a letter allegedly written by Mtuke on January 31 expressed his disinterest in the CEO post, citing the need for peace and unity in the district.

"Allow me to state my disinterest in the CEO's post for Bikita RDC. It is in the best interest of the people of Bikita that peace and unity prevail to further the development agenda of the district," reads the letter.

Mataga, however, dismissed the letter, questioning its authenticity and rationale. "We never wrote a letter to him with the offer, so it does not make sense for him to decline something he was not directly given," Mataga said.

As tensions simmer, stakeholders in Bikita RDC remain divided. Minister Garwe's directive stands, but resistance from local structures aligned with the Chiwenga faction continues to stall progress. The situation underscores the broader political struggles within Zanu-PF, where factional allegiances are increasingly influencing governance decisions at all levels.

Efforts to reach both Mtuke and Ncube for comment were unsuccessful. The saga highlights the challenges of balancing political interests with effective governance in rural districts.