Zanu PF enforcer Jim Kunaka on why he dumped Mujuru

Politics
Jim Kunaka recently spoke to our reporter Richard Chidza to explain his curious transformation.

FORMER Zanu PF youth league Harare provincial chairman Jim Kunaka was a feared enforcer for the ruling party, especially in Mbare high-density suburb. He was the leader of the cult-like Chipangano group that terrorised Mbare residents, forcibly took over council properties and demanded protection fees from transport operators with impunity.

Chipangano was also linked to the murder of several opposition supporters.

However, the group’s acts of terror were brought to a halt in 2014 after Kunaka’s fallout with Zanu PF over his alleged links to former vice-president Joice Mujuru.

He went on to join Mujuru as she moved to the opposition ranks with her Zimbabwe People First (ZimPF) party. Kunaka claimed he had repented and was now a born-again Christian.

But before his victims could gauge if his Damascene moment was genuine, a fortnight ago Kunaka announced that he was back in the Zanu PF ranks.

Kunaka (JM) recently spoke to our reporter Richard Chidza (RC) to explain his curious transformation. Below are excerpts of the interview.

RC: Why did you leave ZimPF after vowing you would never return to Zanu PF because it rigs elections and is corrupt?

JK: In life we make rushed decisions and at times in error. I thought ZimPF was going to practise democracy in choosing its leadership but we have been forced to adhere to some criteria called guided democracy.

Instead of elections, we have leadership that is selected across all party structures and I do not subscribe to that.

I do not see any difference with dictatorship. I have also not seen any seriousness on the part of the leadership as an indication that they really want to take over government and lead 14 million people in Zimbabwe.

The president of the party Mujuru is shying away from the problems that are besetting the party and a small group that is close to her comprising Sylvetser Nguni, Dzikamai Mavhaire and David Butau has blocked her from meeting affected members.

RC: Have you sought audience with Mujuru concerning these problems?

JK: We tried to make an appointment but this group has blocked us. it has all come to nothing and to us, it seems she is a willing captive

RC: Why did you decide to rejoin Zanu PF after describing it as a violent dictatorship?

JK: When one makes mistakes or undertakes a new venture which does not come out as they would have wished, they go back to the drawing board and that is what I am doing. Zanu PF has made me what I am and I am going back home. Home is best.

RC: Do you think Zanu PF has reformed?

JK: I have seen positive changes and that is why I have decided to go back there. I think Zanu PF is now practising the real democracy. In any case, it is better for me to go back to Zanu PF and deal with a situation that I had grown used to than begin another journey into the unknown.

RC: Have you been in touch with the Zanu PF leadership over your decision?

JK: I have talked to the national political commissar [Saviour Kasukuwere] and he has welcomed me back into the party. He is in charge of mobilisation and I am ready to work for Zanu PF.

RC: There are factions jostling for power in Zanu PF, which one are you going to support?

JK: I am not going to be involved in any factionalism. I am going to work for Zanu PF and its leadership under President Robert Mugabe. Anything else does not cut it for me.

RC: What happens to the ZimPF structures you had helped set up in Mbare?

JK: I told them I am going back and they had a choice to remain with a directionless ZimPF or join me on the return to the people’s party. They have decided to come with me and there are no more ZimPF structures in Mbare. RC: Are fears that you might revive Chipangano justified?

JK: Things change and we cannot continue to use the same political tactics we used before.

We have learnt a lot and now our aim is to persuade people to understand the Zanu PF ideology without violence or coercion.

RC: So people in Mbare and Harare have no reason to be scared?

JK: There is no reason to be scared. The people of Mbare are happy that I am back to my party. In fact, my situation is the same as that of the Biblical prodigal son, I am retuning to my father and family. But of course not all people will be happy, others because of natural hatred.

RC: Is Chipangano still alive

JK: It is dead, long disbanded. It is no longer existing.

RC: You have never revealed who funded the group and its founding fathers. Are you ready to talk about that?

JK: We should not continue to talk about the past or open old wounds. It does not help our situation or bring food to the table of poor citizens. Let us put the past behind us and open a new chapter into the future.

RC: But there are people that you terrorised who still bear scars of violence in Mbare, do you think they can just forgive and forget?

JK: It is politics my brother. These things happen. I have asked for forgiveness and I think that is enough. I am now a converted Christian and will use my status to help other activists see things differently.

I want to teach them that violence does not help. Our mandate is to make sure that Zanu PF wins the 2018 elections, including all constituencies in Harare peacefully.

RC: With Mugabe as candidate?

JK: Yes. Why not?

RC: He will be 94. JK: As long as he is still able to speak. For us in Zanu PF it has never been about age but wisdom. That is what we want from him. I want to encourage all those who have left the party for whatever reasons to come back with their ideas and help Zanu PF, under the current leadership to turn around the fortunes of the country. Zanu PF is the only party with that capacity. It will not help to continue to create opposition parties. It is a waste of time.