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Factionalism in Zanu-PF comes to fore

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Zimbabwean First Lady Grace Mugabe has launched a scathing attack on Vice-President Emmerson Mnangagwa.

She made the comments at the eighth and final leg of the Presidential Interface Youth Rally, addressed by President Robert Mugabe.

He interacted with the youth on the challenges they face and their expectations from government .

Speculation is rife that while the President of Zanu- PF continues to put up a brave face, divisions are tearing the liberation
movement apart. With reports of factions such as the G40, which is led by Vice-President Emmerson Mnangagwa, and Lacoste which supports Grace Mugabe.

However, President Mugabe tried to quell the tension and reprimanded both factions: “I can not be found to be involved in factionalism. I have searched for this thing called G40, but I could not find it… but Lacoste is there big time. So I am begging that if we will not associate with those that have been expelled from the party, we should act as such.”

Grace Mugabe launched a scathing attack on the country’s second-in-charge: “Vice president Munangwa won’t turn on you, but a person can change. Change… change and become a better person we can give respect. I said this in Midlands, you will make the President regret appointing Munangangwa as Vice president. No we don’t want that, let it end today.”

The President tried to put out the fires, giving a stern warning to both factions: “Some will say, like I am the President now, then I say I want to leave so and so… I want to leave Mrs Mugabe… I want to leave Emmerson… I want to leave Mphoko as my successor… its contrary to the constitution. I can not do it, it is not allowed. Constitution says a person is elected at a Congress and I follow… I am a lawyer also. Follow the law, follow the regulations very strictly. I don’t want to be said I left my wife. No, that is done by others in French countries.”

Mugabe has urged his Vice to heed the call for unity. The President is expected to depart for New York to address the United Nations General Assembly this week.

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– By Sophie Mokoena

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