Wedza – Local Government minister Daniel Garwe is facing potential political turmoil after a public rebuke from Youth minister Tino Machakaire, who threatened to confront him if he continued to “harass” Zanu PF supporters. The incident has exposed deep divisions within the ruling party, linked to President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s succession.
Machakaire’s outburst occurred during a Zanu PF women’s league meeting in Wedza on Friday, where he accused unnamed individuals of attempting to personalise the party through intimidation, warning them of severe consequences.
Although Machakaire did not explicitly name Garwe, Zanu PF supporters from Mashonaland East province believe the attack was aimed at his Local Government ministry counterpart. The tension stems from Garwe’s alleged actions as the Zanu PF Mashonaland East provincial chairperson.
Garwe has reportedly been holding meetings, threatening to take action against those opposed to a controversial agenda to extend President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s term from 2028 to 2030. This “ED2030” agenda has become a major source of friction within the party.
Furthermore, Garwe has been accused of orchestrating the suspension of party members perceived to be loyal to Mnangagwa’s deputy, Constantino Chiwenga, who also hails from Mashonaland East province. Chiwenga is widely considered a leading contender to succeed Mnangagwa.
Garwe had allegedly boasted of being responsible for her sacking, further fuelling factionalism within the province over Mnangagwa’s succession.
The crowd at the Friday meeting erupted in song upon Machakaire’s arrival, hailing him as the “bull of Wedza.” Both Machakaire and Chiwenga share Wedza as their hometown.
Machakaire, who also serves as the Zanu PF youth league secretary, wasted no time in challenging anyone intimidating others during his address.
According to supporters present, who shouted Garwe’s name during Machakaire’s speech, the diatribe was immediately interpreted as an indirect attack on Garwe.
“The president says no one should be left behind, but there is someone who wants to leave everyone behind and go it alone,” Machakaire stated. “Who are you? Did your vote count to five? You have one vote and so do I. If we closely analyse some of them, they once dumped the party. If you want to provoke us we will beat you right in front of the people.”
Machakaire’s reference to individuals who “once dumped the party” alludes to Garwe’s history. In the 2013 general elections, Garwe ran as an independent parliamentary candidate against Zanu PF, after being barred from representing the party. At the time, Zanu PF rejected a letter purportedly from the military recommending him for the parliamentary seat, deeming it fake.
Garwe, a vocal proponent of the 2030 agenda, has allegedly been intimidating party members who oppose plans to postpone the 2028 elections.
“Mashonaland east Province should be united but if you want to go around intimidating everyone,this means trouble,” Machakaire warned. “The party does not belong to your family. The president said if you want to put Zanu PF into your pocket, it will burn you.”
Addressing Munzverengwi directly, Machakaire said: “Achikombo, don’t be intimidated by people speaking nonsense. I want to see the man who will come intimidating you. You were voted to represent people and anyone who is hindering you from doing so, I want to see that person.”
He also addressed the women present, stating: “You voted for Zanu PF so that it can represent you; if there is anyone who is intimidating you, it means he doesn’t belong to the party. If we are all Zanu PF supporters, let us work together; stay in your lane.”
Machakaire concluded his address with a stern warning: “As you leave this place, I want you to know that Machakaire doesn’t tolerate nonsense. I am not used by anyone and I can’t be bought by anyone. If you think you can put me in your pocket, I will be a pain in your pocket.”
When contacted for comment yesterday, Machakaire claimed he was not referring to Garwe. “All that we want is unity as a Zanu PF family,” he told The Standard.
Garwe was not available for comment, as he did not answer his phone.
The incident underscores the deep factionalism plaguing Zanu PF, primarily linked to Mnangagwa’s succession.
While the 82-year-old president has previously stated his intention to step down in 2028 when his term ends, his loyalists continue to advocate for extending his rule by two years, further exacerbating tensions within the party.
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