By Tinoonga Mawere, Masvingo|The Zanu PF provincial executive here is expected to pass a vote of no confidence on First Lady Grace Mugabe and endorse Vice President Emmerson as President Mugabe’s successor in tomorrow ‘s meeting, it has emerged.
It is also understood Zanu PF members loyal to First Lady Grace Mugabe face expulsion ahead of the Victoria Falls conference if they fail to endorse Mnangagwa as Mugabe ‘s successor.
The provincial executive led by acting chairman Ezra Chadzamira is reportedly campaigning for Mnangagwa by holding a series of meeting across the province. Party sources told ZimEye.com senior officials have been holding caucus meetings at posh venues for that pupose.
“The Provincial executive will meet tomorrow here and it is quite clear they will endorse Mnangagwa as President Mugabe’s successor.Their stance is Grace should concentrate on the Women ‘s League affairs . Meetings are being held across the province -last week we met at Chivi Growth Point and Nemanwa Growth point over the same issue. People respect Grace as the First Lady but they are not happy with the way she is positioning herself,” said a provincial member who chose not to be named.
Chadzamira and provincial secretary Jappy Jaboon who are both MPs are reluctant to comment on the issue for fear of being reprimanded by Grace who is increasingly becoming the force behind the troubled ruling party. It has also emerged Chivi ward 5 councillor Grace Mukungunugwa ironically Grace’s namesake was last week threatened with expulsion by Mnangagwa loyalists.While Zanu PF is splashing money on factional fights, the party is yet to act on the need for urgent food relief in some parts of the province.
Mukungunugwa allegedly told the Mnangagwa apologists Mrs Mugabe would ascend to the presidency and she was threatened with expulsion .
“Mrs Mugabe appears to be losing grip in Masvingo province but we must not rule her out because she is a fighter.Some of her supporters are being victimised here,” said another party official . Although the party denies the beef between Grace and Mnangagwa, it is understood the tussle will see senior officials being sacrificed ahead of the explosive conference.