MASVINGO — A towering figure and gravel-voiced, former Masvingo governor Josaya Hungwe stands in sharp contrast to his nemesis, Dzikamai Mavhaire. REPORT BY TATENDA CHITAGU
Mavhaire, a soft-spoken politician, is almost half the height of Hungwe, who is the Chivi-Mwenezi Senator.
They can aptly fit into the Biblical David and Goliath tale.
However, the two have few things in common; they are both former Masvingo governors and senior Zanu PF members in the province.
But despite belonging to the same party, the two do not see eye- to-eye as they jostle for the control of the province.
Hungwe has been on the record claiming that he was the most senior Zanu PF member in the province, following the death of Higher and Tertiary Education minister, Stan Mudenge.
He recently told the media that Mugabe anointed him as the party’s provincial godfather at the burial of Mudenge at the National Heroes’ Acre in Harare.
At the burial, Mugabe hinted he would always refer to Hungwe on the “goings on” in the province.
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Mugabe’s statement was interpreted as anointing Hungwe as the party’s provincial leader.
On the other hand, Mavhaire, who has not been very forthcoming in talking about his seniority in public, has dared anyone to check the politburo line up to prove he is more senior.
Mavhaire is said to be linked to a Zanu PF faction loyal to Vice-President Joice Mujuru while Hungwe is said to be sympathetic to Defence minister, Emmerson Mnangagwa.
Mujuru and Mngangagwa factions are reportedly engaged in underground wars to succeed President Robert Mugabe in the event that he hands over power in the party. Hence, Mavhaire and Hungwe’s fight goes beyond what the eye can see.
It is not just the fight for supremacy, but it’s the battle for the minds, hearts and souls of the people.
“The two are the point men for either Mujuru or Mnangagwa and their task is to mobilise and campaign for their godfather and godmother,” a senior Zanu PF said.
For a while, the two were separately claiming that either of them was senior, leaving many supporters confused.
However, the jigsaw puzzle was solved last weekend though it remains a contested issue.
Didymus Mutasa, Zanu PF party Secretary for Administration, broke the earth shattering news in Triangle, Chiredzi last week.
“Zanu PF has a straightforward leadership that knows its hierarchy. The most senior member here is Dzikamai Mavhaire. We said it in Masvingo town yesterday at our provincial executive meeting and I will repeat it,” said Mutasa. “That’s the position he [Mavhaire] has been given by none other than the President. President Robert Mugabe gave him the biggest post here.” Mutasa said Mavhaire assumed the top post following the death of Mudenge. “Minister Mudenge was the most senior here, and now that Cde Mudenge is no more, Mavhaire becomes more senior,” Mutasa said. And like the Biblical David versus Goliath tale, Mavhaire finally had the last laugh, despite his less advantageous physical might.
