Robert Mugabe junior to enter politics

By Tichaona Sibanda

President Robert Mugabe’s son Robert Junior is reportedly being earmarked for a political career, following weekend reports that some ZANU PF youth members are lobbying for his nomination for an influential position in the Youth League.

The weekly Zimbabwe Standard newspaper reported on Sunday that youths from Mugabe’s home province Mashonaland West, were behind the moves to push Robert Junior to enter politics.

The paper said while the drive had not gained traction in other provinces the youths claimed the move would stabilise the party, which is torn by factional fights as the race to succeed Mugabe gains momentum.

This development comes after First Lady Grace was endorsed to lead the Women’s League two weeks ago under the guise of ending factionalism in the party. Political commentator Mutsa Murenje told our weekly Hidden Story program that the elevation of Mugabe’s wife and son into party structures might raise tensions in the party.

‘This is a party that is already divided right down the middle. By having Grace and her son take up influential positions in ZANU PF might create the impression that Mugabe is building a dynasty that will take over the reins once he’s out of the picture.

‘The problem with this is that some people in the party might not be comfortable with that. They are fed up with Mugabe but they cannot say so publicly for fear of retributions,’ Murenje said.

The ZANU PF Youth League commenced its election of its representatives in the Central Committee across the party’s 10 provinces on Saturday. This is in preparation for the conference which runs from next Thursday to Sunday. SW Radio Africa