Exiled former minister Patrick Zhuwao who is also a nephew to the late founding leader of Zimbabwe Robert Gabriel Mugabe has applied to join the second biggest South African opposition party Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF).

The EFF is a big admirer of late former Robert Mugabe’s controversial land reform programme.

Zhuwao said he will just be an ordinary card carrying member and will not seek to run for public office because in any case he doesn’t qualify since he is refugee. Speaking to City Press, Zhuwao had the following to say:

“Consequently, I have applied to join EFF as a fighter and ordinary card carrying member in a branch within Gauteng Province. I am happy to work as a ground fighter. I do not seek elected office; as a refugee I am not eligible anyway.”

“I have already served in senior leadership positions within Zanu-PF from the time I was elected district secretary (similar to subregion) in 1995 and rose through region, province and national levels to the Zanu-PF politburo. I am putting aside my ego to help Africa develop a political culture that detracts from the entitlement mantra that has become so pervasive in liberation movements. We must fix the continent.”

Patrick Zhuwao fled to South Africa in November 2017 after his uncle was overthrown in a military coup that helped Mnangagwa take the leadership of both Zanu PF and Zimbabwe. Zhuwao was part of Zanu PF faction named G-40 which comprised of Savior Kasukuwere, Walter Mzembi, Professor Jonathan Moyo among many other. G-40 was bitterly opposed to Mnangagwa’s bid to succeed the aging Robert Mugabe.

-Online