The Zimbabwe Liberation War Veterans National Association (ZANU PF) split after the birth of a splinter group that portrayed the liberation struggle veterans’ affairs minister, Christopher Mutsvangwa, as an illegitimate leader.
Speaking to the media on Friday, Mutsvangwa confirmed the birth of a splinter group of war veterans which he described as “Johnny Lately Coming” and whose aims were to usurp the name of their organisation.
The divisions among veterans have exposed divisions within Zanu PF, with each group reportedly enjoying strong support in the party.
Mutsvangwa said he remains president of the ZNLWVA party ahead of the conference that will be held anytime soon to elect new leadership.
“I want to add something regarding my ministry and my organization, the Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans Association, of which I am president. We will hold a conference as soon as our president Emmerson Mnangagwa returns on leave, who is our patron,” Mutsvangwa said.
“We see effort from Jonny who has come in recently; They want to take our name, why can’t they start their own business? We are seeing some scam people saying they are from ZNLWVA.
“Zanu PF is our DNA as war veterans and we want to thank President Emmerson Mnangagwa for restoring our ministry,” he added.
The splinter group said in a press statement yesterday that Mutsvangwa’s term in office had ended.
The statement said their leader is Andreas Ethan Mathebela, whom they support.
“It is important to note that Ambassador Mutsvangwa ceased his position as President of the Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans Association (ZNLWVA) on 5 November 2019, at the end of his first five-year term. Any statements or actions he takes after that date are therefore irrelevant. Represents the official position of ZNLWVA.”
“Election of a new Executive Board On 7 October 2023, an extraordinary conference was held during which a new CEO led by Andreas Ethan Mathebela was elected to office.
“This new executive director is currently responsible for leading ZNLWVA and making decisions on behalf of the association. Any information or data regarding ZNLWVA must be requested from the current executive,” the splinter veterans group said in its statement.
The veterans pledged that any statements made by Mutsvangwa regarding the activities or plans of ZNLWVA are void and of no legal effect.
“We urge all ZNLWVA members and stakeholders to reject Ambassador Mutsvangwa’s statement with the contempt it deserves. “As previously stated, his statements do not reflect the official position of ZNLWVA and should be taken as such,” the statement added.
Zanu PF information director Farai Marabira yesterday said ZNLWVA was affiliated with his party and denied allegations of divisions among the freedom fighters.
“The veterans are affiliated with ZANU-PF and there are only a few who have joined an unrepentant former Rhodesian soldier, this cannot cause a split in ZANU-PF because of someone who is simply lost,” Marabira said.
Veterans have been used in the past as foot soldiers in ZANU-PF election campaigns and, in some cases according to human rights monitoring organizations, committed acts of violence against opposition supporters.
Last year, President Emmerson Mnangagwa urged war veterans ahead of the August 23 elections to intensify campaigning to ensure victory for the ruling Zanu PF party. Newsday
