Power Struggles Intensify Within War Veterans Association Factions Amid Leadership Disputes

Internal divisions continue to shake the Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans Association (ZNLWVA), casting a shadow over unity efforts. Andreas Ethan Mathibela, head of a key faction, has taken center stage, calling out recent developments.

He denounced the elective congress held in Gweru on October 12, dismissing it as hasty and divisive. Mathibela labeled it a “nullity,” emphasizing that it lacked legitimacy and defied court orders.

Christopher Mutsvangwa, a key figure in another faction, suffered a staggering defeat, garnering only 11 votes. His loss marked a pivotal shift in ZNLWVA’s internal dynamics, raising questions about his standing.

Cephas Ncube from Bulawayo emerged as the newly elected chairman, securing 294 votes. This overwhelming majority reflects a clear preference within a certain subset of the organization, despite the internal turbulence.

Mathibela’s accusations against the Mutsvangwa faction are not without weight. He asserted that the congress was primarily attended by ZANU PF War Veterans League members, which further undermined its credibility.

This internal power struggle has implications far beyond the ZNLWVA itself. It highlights deeper political currents running through Zimbabwe’s power structure. The role of the ZANU PF War Veterans League, deeply intertwined with national politics, complicates the dynamics.

At a press conference in Bulawayo, Mathibela called attention to the court order issued by Justice Philda Muzofa, which mandated that the factions reach a consensus by October 21, 2024. The pressure is on for the leadership to settle their differences.

Mathibela expressed his faction’s willingness to engage in dialogue, underscoring the need for a unified ZNLWVA. Despite these overtures, the refusal of the Mutsvangwa faction to attend reconciliation meetings signals ongoing tensions.

A unified front remains elusive as Mutsvangwa’s faction continues to reject calls for compromise. Their absence at key meetings, such as those convened by government representatives like Minister Monica Mavhunga and Minister July Moyo, speaks volumes.

Despite this, Mathibela’s faction stayed in the discussions, advocating for unity. Mathibela stated that his faction wants a congress that truly represents all war veterans, not just splinter groups.

This refusal by the other factions, particularly Marashwa’s group, to participate in the government-facilitated discussions has only fueled the discord. The Marashwa faction’s open disregard for government authority escalates the tensions.

Mathibela did not shy away from addressing the core of the problem. He acknowledged that many expected him to outright condemn Mutsvangwa, Mahiya, and other leaders. However, he insisted that the focus should be on broader issues affecting veterans.

The factionalism within the ZNLWVA is a manifestation of deeper dissatisfaction among war veterans. Mathibela accused the Mutsvangwa faction of prioritizing personal gain over the veterans’ interests, suggesting they are more concerned with maintaining favor with their political patrons.

This division points to a larger issue of how veterans have been treated since the liberation war. The ZNLWVA, once a symbol of collective sacrifice, now finds itself fractured, with its members disillusioned.

Mathibela’s call for an inclusive congress reflects his desire to restore the ZNLWVA’s integrity. His vision is clear: all factions must unite for a single congress that addresses the real issues facing war veterans today.

However, achieving such a goal will be an uphill battle. Mistrust between the factions runs deep, and the involvement of political interests complicates the situation further.

The coming weeks will be crucial as the factions work to meet the court’s deadline. Whether they can set aside their differences remains to be seen.

The internal power struggles within the ZNLWVA have far-reaching implications for Zimbabwe’s political landscape. The war veterans remain a vital force, but their fractured state leaves a vacuum of power that others may seek to exploit.

As the October 21 deadline approaches, all eyes are on whether the ZNLWVA can overcome its internal divisions. Failure to do so could lead to a prolonged crisis within one of Zimbabwe’s most significant organizations.

The road to unity is long, but Mathibela’s call for dialogue and compromise may offer a path forward. Yet, without a genuine willingness from all factions to cooperate, the future of the ZNLWVA remains uncertain.

The Zim Bulletin