HARARE – Allegations have surfaced that benefactors of the ruling Zanu-PF party are attempting to silence critics of President Emmerson Mnangagwa by offering them luxury vehicles. This comes amidst growing discontent within the party, particularly from some war veterans, who accuse Mnangagwa of failing to tackle corruption and alleged misgovernance.
Sources within the Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans Association (ZNLWVA) claim that one of their leaders was recently given a fleet of vehicles, including four Toyota GD6s and Acquas. “He was given over a dozen light motor vehicles and four top-of-the-range cars,” the source revealed, adding that “These cars are operating under a taxi company.”
These allegations emerge against a backdrop of internal strife within Zanu-PF, with factionalism intensifying as various camps vie for influence ahead of the party’s provincial elections later this year. This factionalism is widely believed to be linked to the succession of President Mnangagwa. To date, Mnangagwa has remained tight-lipped about his preferred successor, leaving the field open for speculation and intensifying the power struggles within the party. The late Robert Mugabe also did not name a successor, a situation that ultimately led to his removal in a coup in 2017.
Andreas Ethan Mathibela, a faction leader within the ZNLWVA who has previously called on Mnangagwa to step down, confirmed that he was not among those who had received vehicles. “I haven’t received a car, or anything material, or even money, I haven’t been given that,” he stated. “And just to rest your fear, no one can buy me with anything.”
Mathibela, a vocal critic of Mnangagwa, has been under surveillance by state security agents. Immigration officials at Plumtree, Maitengwe, and Mphoengs border posts have been instructed to prevent him from leaving the country. He has held a series of press conferences denouncing the attempts by Mnangagwa’s loyalists to extend his term from 2028 to 2030.
Despite the alleged incentives, Mathibela insists that his stance against the current leadership remains firm. “The route I have taken as an individual is that I work on behalf of the marginalised veterans and citizens,” he explained. “So there is no amount of money, or gifts, or anything that can sway me from that position.”
Mathibela emphasised the non-partisan nature of the ZNLWVA faction he leads. “The reason why everyone is panicking is because we have come out very clearly,” he said. “Secondly, being a war veteran, the reason why I went to war, specifically, was to help Zimbabweans unlock themselves from the colonisers. So I’m still on the course; that’s what I believe in. I can’t be swayed by any form of gifts.” He challenged the press to report his denial of the allegations, stating emphatically, “Please tell the world you confronted me, and I denied the allegations. I can’t be bought.”
Zanu-PF director of information Farai Marapira has refuted the claims that the party is attempting to buy out Mnangagwa’s critics. “Zanu-PF as a political party is our main thrust that we get as many supporters as possible critics and n critics, but we wish to explain our ideologies that many are converted to our cause,” he said. “Zanu-PF does not hold grudges. If people see the light and decide to join Zanu-PF, our doors are always open, especially the old members who wish to join the party.”
Adding another layer to the narrative, controversial businessman Wicknel Chivayo, who describes himself as Mnangagwa’s “son,” has been known to distribute cars to influencers for over two years. President Mnangagwa has publicly described Chivayo as a “philanthropist.”
As Zimbabwe approaches the 2027 elective congress, the issue of succession within Zanu-PF remains a contentious one. With accusations of bribery and internal power struggles swirling, the political landscape appears increasingly volatile.
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