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War veterans agree with Geza
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A growing faction of Zimbabwe's war veterans is throwing its weight behind Zanu-PF central committee member Blessed "Bombshell" Geza's call for President Emmerson Mnangagwa to step down, as discontent surges within the ruling party's traditional support base.
The War Veterans Pressure Group (WVPG) has added its voice to the mounting criticism of Mnangagwa's leadership, accusing his administration of stifling dissent, violating the Constitution, and abandoning the principles of the liberation struggle.
Geza's recent scathing rebuke of Mnangagwa's governance, which reportedly forced him into hiding, has sparked widespread debate. The WVPG's endorsement of his sentiments underscores deep-seated frustrations among former freedom fighters who feel betrayed by the government they helped install.
"To that end, our perception of the situation in the country resonates with that expressed by comrades, specifically Cde Geza and war-time commanders who are demanding change," the WVPG declared in a statement.
The pressure group painted a bleak picture of Zimbabwe's current trajectory, accusing authorities of widespread corruption, economic mismanagement, and policies that erode the gains of independence. The veterans described the country as being "adrift in a sea of kleptocracy and lawlessness," warning that Mnangagwa's leadership dishonors the sacrifices made during the liberation war.
A key grievance is the government's decision to compensate white former farmers whose land was seized during Zimbabwe's land reform programme. In 2019, Mnangagwa's administration agreed to pay US$3.5 billion in compensation for farm improvements, and recently, Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube announced that US$40 million would be paid to 94 former farm owners over the next two years. The WVPG denounced this move as a betrayal, particularly since some former white farmers are now being allowed to reclaim their properties.
The veterans also took issue with Mnangagwa's land policies, which require them to purchase land titles for farms they helped reclaim. Citing sections 293(3) and 295(4) of the Constitution—both of which mandate parliamentary approval for such decisions—the WVPG accused the government of bypassing legislative oversight.
The controversial proposal to extend Mnangagwa's term by two years under the so-called "2030 Agenda" also came under fire, with the veterans dismissing it as an unconstitutional attempt to cling to power.
Their frustrations are not new. The WVPG recalled a 2021 incident in which 39 members were arrested while delivering a petition demanding that the government implement a court ruling awarding war veterans a US$2,000 monthly pension. The charges were dropped three years later due to lack of evidence, but the veterans say the ordeal reflects the state's authoritarian tactics.
The group is demanding sweeping reforms, including economic interventions to combat rising prices and inequality, anti-corruption measures, and compensation for victims of the 1980s Gukurahundi massacres. They also want properties seized from the Zimbabwe People's Revolutionary Army (ZIPRA) returned and greater citizen control over the country's natural resources.
Veterans of the Liberation Struggle Minister Monica Mavhunga was unavailable for comment.
Meanwhile, exiled former Zanu-PF political commissar Saviour Kasukuwere has weighed in, warning that Mnangagwa's presidency is on borrowed time. Speaking from South Africa, Kasukuwere suggested that losing the war veterans' support could be politically fatal.
"Once those war veterans say your job is done, that's the end. He's hanging around, but the truth of the matter is he's gone. The most critical branch in Zanu-PF is that thing called the war veterans," Kasukuwere said in an HStv interview.
His comments come as some war veterans push for a nationwide shutdown to force Mnangagwa out. The movement is spearheaded by Geza, who denies allegations that he is working on behalf of Mnangagwa's deputy, Vice President Constantino Chiwenga.
Authorities have since declared Geza a wanted man on multiple charges, including incitement to commit public violence, undermining the authority of the president, vehicle theft, and fraud. However, his supporters argue that the charges are politically motivated, aimed at silencing dissent.
As tensions rise, it remains to be seen how Mnangagwa's government will respond to the growing pressure from a faction that once stood firmly by his side.
The War Veterans Pressure Group (WVPG) has added its voice to the mounting criticism of Mnangagwa's leadership, accusing his administration of stifling dissent, violating the Constitution, and abandoning the principles of the liberation struggle.
Geza's recent scathing rebuke of Mnangagwa's governance, which reportedly forced him into hiding, has sparked widespread debate. The WVPG's endorsement of his sentiments underscores deep-seated frustrations among former freedom fighters who feel betrayed by the government they helped install.
"To that end, our perception of the situation in the country resonates with that expressed by comrades, specifically Cde Geza and war-time commanders who are demanding change," the WVPG declared in a statement.
The pressure group painted a bleak picture of Zimbabwe's current trajectory, accusing authorities of widespread corruption, economic mismanagement, and policies that erode the gains of independence. The veterans described the country as being "adrift in a sea of kleptocracy and lawlessness," warning that Mnangagwa's leadership dishonors the sacrifices made during the liberation war.
A key grievance is the government's decision to compensate white former farmers whose land was seized during Zimbabwe's land reform programme. In 2019, Mnangagwa's administration agreed to pay US$3.5 billion in compensation for farm improvements, and recently, Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube announced that US$40 million would be paid to 94 former farm owners over the next two years. The WVPG denounced this move as a betrayal, particularly since some former white farmers are now being allowed to reclaim their properties.
The veterans also took issue with Mnangagwa's land policies, which require them to purchase land titles for farms they helped reclaim. Citing sections 293(3) and 295(4) of the Constitution—both of which mandate parliamentary approval for such decisions—the WVPG accused the government of bypassing legislative oversight.
The controversial proposal to extend Mnangagwa's term by two years under the so-called "2030 Agenda" also came under fire, with the veterans dismissing it as an unconstitutional attempt to cling to power.
The group is demanding sweeping reforms, including economic interventions to combat rising prices and inequality, anti-corruption measures, and compensation for victims of the 1980s Gukurahundi massacres. They also want properties seized from the Zimbabwe People's Revolutionary Army (ZIPRA) returned and greater citizen control over the country's natural resources.
Veterans of the Liberation Struggle Minister Monica Mavhunga was unavailable for comment.
Meanwhile, exiled former Zanu-PF political commissar Saviour Kasukuwere has weighed in, warning that Mnangagwa's presidency is on borrowed time. Speaking from South Africa, Kasukuwere suggested that losing the war veterans' support could be politically fatal.
"Once those war veterans say your job is done, that's the end. He's hanging around, but the truth of the matter is he's gone. The most critical branch in Zanu-PF is that thing called the war veterans," Kasukuwere said in an HStv interview.
His comments come as some war veterans push for a nationwide shutdown to force Mnangagwa out. The movement is spearheaded by Geza, who denies allegations that he is working on behalf of Mnangagwa's deputy, Vice President Constantino Chiwenga.
Authorities have since declared Geza a wanted man on multiple charges, including incitement to commit public violence, undermining the authority of the president, vehicle theft, and fraud. However, his supporters argue that the charges are politically motivated, aimed at silencing dissent.
As tensions rise, it remains to be seen how Mnangagwa's government will respond to the growing pressure from a faction that once stood firmly by his side.
Source - online
