Jabulani Sibanda warns of re-colonisation amid war veterans' disunity

Outspoken Zanu-PF Bulawayo provincial chairperson Jabulani Sibanda has cautioned that Zimbabwe faces the risk of re-colonisation due to increasing disunity among citizens, particularly within the ranks of war veterans.

Speaking during the launch of the Presidential War Veterans Fund in Bulawayo, Sibanda urged political leaders and war veterans to reflect on their actions, warning that enemies of the state could exploit the growing divisions.

"This is the time to unite," Sibanda said. "The whites will be coming soon. United States President Donald Trump has announced withdrawal from some institutions under the United Nations. Even tomorrow, due to their strength, they can re-colonise Africa. This is the danger that we are facing as Africa. We are full of resources, and we are in danger from countries full of nuclear weapons and injections."

Sibanda also criticized some senior members within Zanu-PF, accusing them of fostering disunity to protect their positions. "Those in the politburo should be like leaves of a tree. The destruction of a tree is noticed from the top. There are people who enjoy positions because if people are scattered, they become the only ones in charge. But that will not help them considering the danger ahead of us," he said.

Sibanda specifically called on Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans Association leader Cephas Ncube to work towards uniting the former freedom fighters.

"We are tasking you, Ncube, to move around and meet all war veterans and preach unity. Those war veterans who view things differently - I have nothing against them - but I call on them to consider unity," he said.

His remarks come amid widespread frustration with the country's leadership. Some war veterans have accused the government of attempting to buy their loyalty through financial inducements as part of a broader campaign to extend President Emmerson Mnangagwa's term of office.

During the launch of the Presidential War Veterans Fund, Mnangagwa distributed cash and hampers to war veterans, a move seen by critics as an attempt to placate the disgruntled constituency.

Presidential investment adviser Paul Tungwarara announced that each war veteran received US$200 and a hamper. Additionally, US$150,000 was allocated to each province for short-term projects aimed at supporting veterans of the liberation struggle.

"A further US$1.5 million has been allocated as a pilot project," Tungwarara said. "Your discipline towards the funds will multiply the funding. War veterans will borrow and repay after the projects. It is interest-free. If people are disciplined, by June, every province will get US$1 million, honouring their sacrifices."

Sibanda also reflected on Zanu-PF's narrow loss in the 2008 elections, where the MDC led by the late Morgan Tsvangirai secured 47% of the vote compared to Zanu-PF's 42%. The subsequent re-run campaign, marked by violence, left nearly 200 opposition activists dead or injured, forcing Tsvangirai to withdraw from the race.

The war veterans, traditionally considered Zanu-PF's staunch supporters, played a significant role in the 2008 campaign. However, divisions within their ranks and growing dissatisfaction with the government's leadership now threaten to weaken their influence and Zanu-PF's control.

Sibanda's warnings highlight the growing tension within Zanu-PF and among its traditional allies, with unity becoming an increasingly urgent issue amid political and economic challenges in Zimbabwe.