ZANU-PF deputy secretary for administration July Moyo’s presence at State functions, coupled with his recent outbursts, has set tongues wagging in the ruling party.
Despite not being a government official, Moyo has been one of the most recognisable figures at most State functions officiated by Vice President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
A long time ally of Mnangagwa, Moyo is seen as one of the key strategists behind the Vice President’s rising political stock.
When visiting emissaries from Angola paid a courtesy call on Mnangagwa at his Munhumutapa offices last week, Moyo appeared firmly in control of proceedings.
Mnangagwa was acting President at the time since President Robert Mugabe was away in Indonesia on government business.
Ever since he was thrown a new life in ZANU-PF, Moyo has also developed a sharp tongue, which is uncharacteristic of him.
The former Midlands governor shocked many when he threatened to reduce farm sizes of some top government officials and expose multiple farm owners as a way of redressing imbalances in the land reform programme.
The reduction of farm sizes is the prerogative of the Lands Ministry led by Douglas Mombeshora.
ZANU-PF insiders said although not in government, Moyo could be having an insight and influence on what was happening by virtue of being close to Mnangagwa.
He is also linked to the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, currently headed by Lazarus Dokora.
Dokora is one of the high-ranking government officials facing an uncertain future for their perceived links with Joice Mujuru, the former vice president.
According to insiders, his authoritative talk and appearance at government functions is indicative of something that could be brewing up.
But Moyo himself denied eyeing any ministerial post saying everything he did was in his capacity as ZANU-PF’s deputy secretary for administration.
“I am only acting on party business. I was even with (ZANU-PF secretary for administration, Ignatius) Chombo when the delegates from Angola, who are leaders of our sister revolutionary party paid a courtesy call on the Vice President,” he said.
He also refuted reports that his statements on land overstepped his party duties.
“I made those remarks at a party meeting whereby I told members to desist from corrupt activities. I was telling them that if there is anyone within the party who was a multiple farm owner against the government policy, we would not hesitate to deal with them as a party. I do not see how that is tantamount to seeking a ministerial post,” he said.
Moyo bounced back into mainstream politics last year after spending a decade in the political backwoods following his suspension from ZANU-PF at the height of the infamous Tsholotsho debacle in 2004.
He was part of a group of provincial chairmen who were accused of plotting a palace coup against President Mugabe before they were rebuked, others suspended and yet others expelled.
Most of the suspended chairmen have since bounced back. Some of them were supposedly behind the downfall of Mujuru, who herself benefitted immensely from the 2004 Tsholotsho debacle. Financial Gazette
