Terrence Mawawa, Masvingo| Vice President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s Team Lacoste is leading the way in cash donations towards President Robert Mugabe’s birthday bash, outshining the Jonathan Moyo controlled G40 faction in the process.
Masvingo province, hard hit by severe drought will host the widely criticised birthday bash at Great Zimbabwe momuments where hungry villagers will be watching in awe as invited guests feast during the bash. The cash donations from the Mnangagwa camp have yet again affirmed the feared Vice President’s firm control of the province. Party insiders say the donations are part of a bootlicking strategy to buy loyalty from Mugabe as the warring continues unabated in the ruling party.
Retired Assistant Commissioner Edmore Veterai a Mnangagwa apologist donated $1500, Jeppy Jaboon poured in $1000 while little known Tawanda Mafurufutu another Mnangagwa ally contributed $2500 while Mkwasine Farmers, remote controlled by the Team Lacoste donated $5000. Masvingo Central MP Edmund Mhere a well known Mnangagwa apologist pledged to meet transport costs for delegates and Mnangagwa’s blue-eyed boy, Ezra Chadzamira who is also the Zanu PF provincial chairman pledged four beasts for the birthday bash.
In a one sided race to please Mugabe with donations, the G40 team masterminded by Moyo has surprisingly folded arms to watch from a distance as Team Lacoste takes centre stage in preparing for the massive bash. “If you carefully scrutinise the list I gave you it is very obvious the Mnangagwa team is in control of the proceedings.They are desperately trying to please President Mugabe ,”said a senior party official.
Zanu PF Masvingo Province is expected to raise $100 000 towards the mega event. “We have secured transport, meat and food for the event. We are almost through with the preparations,” said Chadzamira.