Zanu-PF to discuss Mujuru's fate

THE Zanu-PF Politburo is expected on Wednesday to discuss possible action against the senior party official that the First Lady Grace Mugabe has accused of corruption and fanning factionalism.

It is widely believed that the said official is Vice-President Dr Joice Mujuru.

Zanu-PF Secretary for Information and Publicity Cde Rugare Gumbo said "the serious allegations" will not be ignored and could be discussed at the next Poliburo meeting scheduled for this Wednesday.

"We cannot allow such messages to go on without taking action. The agenda for the Politburo, which has been tentatively set for the 22nd of October, has not yet been confirmed because (Zanu-PF Secretary for Administration Cde Didymus) Mutasa is not in the office, but I think it might be discussed.

"They are serious statements, but, of course, some of it may be allegations that may be true or false. But anyway, I have said that I do not want to speak on issues that are political. So, we will see if the Politburo decides to discuss it."

Gumbo said the main purpose of the Politburo meeting was to discuss preparations for the National Congress in December.

Other matters include amendment of the Zanu-PF constitution, Congress logistics and preparations for provincial conferences where each province will compile a list of its preferred leaders for endorsement at Congress.

A national co-ordinating committee chaired by party National Chair Ambassador Khaya Moyo will meet tomorrow to prepare for the impending Politburo meeting.

"The major issue for the Politburo will most likely be on the preparations for the Congress. We expect the chairman of the national co-ordinating committee for the Congress Ambassador Simon Khaya Moyo to present to the Politburo a report on the preparations that have been done so far, whether they are on course or not on course.

". . . I think the issue of provincial conferences will also be discussed. These conferences should be held in November so planning has to start now."

Senior Zanu-PF officials eyeing top positions at the elective National Congress have in recent months engaged in verbal exchanges linked to factional politics.

While President Mugabe will not be challenged at the congress following his electoral victory in July 2013, other posts such as the Vice-Presidency and National Chairship are open to contest.

Home Affairs Minister Kembo Mohadi has expressed interest in one of the VP posts, setting the stage for a tussle with Dr Mujuru and Ambassador Khaya Moyo, who is widely touted as a contender.