HARARE – Tempers are flaring within a faction of the Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans Association (ZNLWVA), as reports emerge of a brewing vote of no confidence against their leader, Andreas Ethan Mathibela. Accusations of betraying the association’s values and benefiting from suspected Zanu PF patronage are at the heart of the escalating conflict.
According to insiders, the vehicles were collected from a local dealership in Harare. The alleged sudden accumulation of wealth has sparked outrage among members of Mathibela’s faction, who are demanding an explanation for his newfound riches. Some war veterans fear that Mathibela may have been “bought” to abandon his previously critical stance on the ruling Zanu PF party.
In an audio recording sent to executive members, Mathibela defended his wealth, claiming it stems from a US$16 million five-year contract with the Bulawayo City Council for road, sewer, and water reticulation works. “I have individuals coming to our association, and there is fierce conversation to tarnish my image, but most dangerously, in an effort to remove me from the position of chairmanship,” Mathibela said in the recording.
Mathibela maintained that he is a businessman and should not be questioned about the source of his income. “Whilst I am the chair of this association, it doesn’t mean I am not working,” he stated. “I have a contract in Bulawayo to repair roads, sewer, and water reticulation. It has nothing to do with the association. I am doing it to make a profit…”
He further added: “I have not asked any other member how they are making a living. We meet over issues of our welfare, but on a daily basis, what we do or how much we make has nothing to do with the association… If you want to pass a vote of no confidence, go ahead, that is the least of my worries, but what will you benefit?”
Mathibela later confirmed the existence of the audio to The Standard, stating that he wanted to “allay fears among his comrades” that he had been bought to silence criticism. He confirmed that he had entered into a contract with Bulawayo City Council through his construction company, Murena Private Limited.
“In all honesty, my private business is not for public consumption,” he said. “I shared that information with my executive. I wanted to allay their fear by simply saying, ah No, apart from leading an association, I have a life of my own with my family and I do hustle like everyone else, but I am not in the dealing business.”
When asked whether Bulawayo City Council had a contract with Mathibela, Bulawayo mayor David Coltart said he was unaware. “I personally am not aware, but put your questions to Mrs Mpofu,” he said. Mpofu, the council spokesperson, had not yet responded to written questions sent by The Standard seeking clarification on the matter.
Despite the controversy, Mathibela vowed to fight for his position. “I have already indicated we are going to meet with the executive,” he asserted. “And I will read the riot act. I will simply have to step my foot. I am the leader of that association. And we have one clarity within my leadership.”
Mathibela had previously become a thorn in the side of President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s Zanu PF faction when he led calls for the 83-year-old ruler’s resignation earlier this year, citing alleged failures to stop corruption and misgovernance.
The turmoil within the ZNLWVA comes as another war veteran, Blessed Geza, remains in hiding after police announced they wanted to arrest him for similarly demanding Mnangagwa’s resignation. The unfolding events highlight the growing tensions and divisions within the war veterans’ community, and their potential implications for the country’s political landscape.

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