EMBATTLED Zanu PF secretary for administration and Presidential Affairs minister, Didymus Mutasa yesterday said he was fully in charge of processes and preparations for this week’s congress despite falling out of favour with the President over unproven coup allegations.
BY OBEY MANAYITI
Mutasa was subsequently booted out as Central Committee member in Manicaland. War veterans and Zanu PF youths have also threatened to physically block Mutasa and Vice-President Joice Mujuru from attending the congress over the allegations.
On Friday, hired youths allegedly blocked Mutasa from entering his office at Zanu PF headquarters, temporarily disrupting accreditation of guests and delegates to the 6th congress.
But Mutasa yesterday said he was firmly in control of congress preparations and raising of funds for the event as the Zanu PF acting secretary for Finance. On threats to block him together with Vice- President Joice Mujuru from attending the congress, Mutasa said no one would stop him as he was still the legitimate Zanu PF secretary for administration.
He said officials eyeing his position needed to exercise some patience.
“There are other people who want the position and they can take over after the Congress,” Mutasa said.
He said so far US$5 million had been raised towards the congress through fundraising initiatives and support from well-wishers.
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“The finances are well and we have tried everything to raise the amount we want,” Mutasa said.
He said each province has been tasked to raise US$150 000, but most of them have not yet forwarded anything to the party.
Mutasa, as the secretary for administration, used to wield a lot of influence and power as the secretary to the Presidium. He was also until recently, the political godfather of Manicaland.
But his powerbase has crumbled like a deck of cards after the faction led by Justice minister Emmerson Mnangagwa, with the support of First Lady Grace Mugabe, decimated the rival camp led by Mujuru through questionable votes of no confidence and public denigration.
Mujuru was blocked from participating in central committee elections after she was accused of corruption and trying to overthrow Mugabe.
The VP, only recently the front runner in the race to succeed Mugabe, and Mutasa who was garnering for the Zanu PF national chairmanship position, may end up as ordinary card-carrying members after this week’s congress.
It is only Mugabe who can come to their rescue by using his power to appoint them to the politburo and in government.
