THE top hierarchy of ruling party Zanu-PF embraced ‘mbavha’ under the guise of an affiliate leaving its stalwart, Sydney Sekeramayi in the cold barely a week after taking a bold stance against thieves.
Zanu-PF held its star rally in the capital Wednesday as it continues to canvas for support ahead of a crucial general election to be held on August 23.
During the rally, President Mnangagwa welcomed Mbavha4ED among many affiliates that have coalesced around the ruling party and its leader. He however told the group to “disband” after voting.
Mbavha is a Shona word that means thief.
Self-styled prophet and socialite Passion Java set the tone when he excitedly revealed Mbavha4ED would vote for Zanu-PF.
“Takazviona chigaba chehuchi kuti chirikupinda mu office. Takazviona mumweya kudhara. Saka tiri kuti ma prophets4ED, n’anga4ED, mbavha4ED, maH4ED, varoyi4ED, (We saw it in the spiritual realm that Mnangagwa will retain office in after the elections),” said Java.
The chant was in contrast to a stance that was taken by party veteran Sekeramayi who in a slogan castigated thieves at a recent rally.
Zanu-PF has been criticised of harbouring and protecting individuals accused of corruption in its party strictures.
Sekeramayi is one of long serving Zanu-PF members who was once touted to take over party leadership after Robert Mugabe.
The Senator leads Zanu-PF Elders Committee which acts as an advisory board to Mnangagwa.
An explosive documentary by Al Jazeera laid bare how a politically linked web is laundering money and smuggling gold using state institutions.
Since airing of the documentary no arrests have been made despite government pledging to open investigations.
Taking to the podium to address his party supporters Mnangagwa acknowledged these affiliates asking for the disbandment of mbavha4ED after the general elections.
“Vakangowanda ma ED asi yandazonzwa kuti mbavha4ED apawo munenge manyanya. Zvakanaka asi kana tapedza kuvhota mochi disband mbavha4ED. (There are many 4ED affiliates. I have now heard “mbava4ED this is too much. If you are there that is good but after election disband),” said Mnangagwa.
Zanu-PF second secretary Kembo Mohadi also embraced the new “affiliate” in his closing remarks at the rally.
Source NewZimbabwe
