By A Correspondent- Former Zanu-PF Secretary for the Youth League Kudzanai Chipanga is set to bounce back into mainstream politics after the ruling party’s Manicaland Province recommended that he be brought back to the youth league, amid revelations that Chipanga met President Emmerson Mnangagwa last week.
Chipanga was appointed the Youth League secretary by former President Robert Mugabe in 2016 after the sacking of Pupurai Togarepi (56) who had sided with war veterans and then Vice President Emmerson Mnangagwa in Zanu-PF factional fights between the G40 and Lacoste.
The former Makoni West legislator played a stellar role in organising the youth interface rallies which were used by Mugabe to lash at his opponents in his last year in power.
Ironically, Chipanga replaced Togarepi who was yesterday fired from the Zanu-PF Politburo for indiscipline after he supported the naming and shaming of Zanu-PF linked businessmen.
Several sources close to the developments are quoted confirming to Zimbabwe Voice under conditions of anonymity that Chipanga’s return to lead the Zanu-PF Youth League is as good as a done deal.
“Chipanga has the backing of Zanu-PF chairperson Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri who he approached with his pleas to be allowed back in.”
“Most of the leadership in Manicaland are agreed that Chipanga’s energy is needed in the youth league as 2023 elections beckon. His case was discussed in the Politburo meeting yesterday, but the issue generated more heat than light as some officials, particularly those from the Midlands Province, were not agreeable to bringing him back yet.”
The source further said President Mnangagwa was however agreeable to having Chipanga back, but did not want to force his decision through.
“In the end, the President indicated that he will consult with his fellow leaders in the Presidium and others to reach a decisive conclusion. But it looks like it’s a done deal,” said the source.
Chipanga was fired from the ruling party in 2017 after the fall of Mugabe.
Alongside Innocent Hamandishe, he worked with then political commissar Saviour Kasukuwere to drive massive support towards rallies that both Robert Mugabe and the former First Lady Grace held countrywide especially in their last year in power.
Another source, also speaking on condition of anonymity, said Chipanga had wormed his way into the heart of the top leadership, including President Mnangagwa.
“He (Chipanga) is sincerely remorseful and willing to work for the party. The leadership believe he is what is lacking in the Youth League, and are intent on bringing him back. It’s a matter of time before those who have their reservations, however justified, give in.”
Chipanga is considered a typical Zanu-PF Youth with the “right grooming”, sources said. Coincidentally, Zanu-PF leaders Lewis Matutu and Godfrey Tsenengamu were suspended from their positions recently for indiscipline, with the Politburo indicated that the duo lacked an understanding of party ideology and were to undergo compulsory training at the Herbert Chitepo Ideological College.
The 38-year-old graduated from the Border Gezi Training Centre in Mt Darwin, where he did his national service programme after completion of secondary school.
He has remained quiet and not intent to criticize the ruling party since his dismissal.
-Wires