By Tatenda Dewa | Harare Bureau |
Presidential aspirant, Emmerson Mnangagwa, has described President Robert Mugabe as his figurehead from who he gets his political inspiration.
Mnangagwa said Mugabe had framed his approach to politics.
The statement could bolster fear that the current Zanu PF style of governance would persist if Mnangagwa, for long rumoured to be eyeing Mugabe’s post, finally took over.
The two spent a long time together during and after the war of liberation when Mnangagwa was his special assistant and then a cabinet minister from indepdence in 1980.
“Let it not be forgotten that both during my incarceration for a period of 10 years — from 1965 to 1974 — and after my release in 1974, I have always had a personal relationship with the President, Cde RG Mugabe, who to me is not just a father figure but a principal mentor, after whom I fashion all my political behaviour,” said Mnangagwa.
He was speaking to journalists from government-controlled media at the weekend at his Munhumutapa office in Harare.
Mnangagwa is linked a Zanu PF faction that is angling to take over from the 92 year-old ruler.
The vice president has enjoyed the backing of the war veterans association whose leadership is currently under fire for reportedly authoring a communique that denounced Mugabe as a “genocidal dictator” who had run down the economy and was too old to continue ruling.
The Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans Association (ZNLWVA) information secretary, Douglas Mahiya was arrested after the communique was shared with the media and was at the weekend remanded in custody for allegedly denigrating Mugabe.
The ZNLWVA secretary general, Victor Matemadanda, was picked from his home by plainclothes agents late last week and they claimed they were taking to him to the Law and Order section in Harare.
Despite their public support for him, Mnangagwa has steered clear of the ex-combatants in the wake of a government clampdown on them.
He also distanced himself from the Lacoste faction which he is strongly believed to be leading in the succession turf war.
“I have never at any one time directly or indirectly established, formed, convened or sought to benefit from the alleged grouping (Lacoste), or other such groupings of dubious and libellous character as alleged.
“Equally, I have been on the receiving end of various people who are said to use my name and office for personal gain, self-aggrandisement and political clout, amongst other benefits, only known to themselves.
“I abhor this corrupt ascription and despicable malpractice which I have never sanctioned at any point and want the perpetrators to stop,” said Mnangagwa.
He said he enjoyed a special relationship with Mugabe, who gifted the State Security portfolio at independence and in 2014 elevated him to vice president in both party and government.
“ All these appointments leading to what I am today speak of the close and trustworthy relation I have maintained with my president. It is a relationship I cherish and regard dearly that I will not allow anyone to malign or soil.
“To that end, as I have done for the better part of my life, I re-affirm and pledge as in the past, to defend and stand by the person and legacy of His Excellency, the President and First Secretary of our tried and tested revolutionary party,” said Mnangagwa.
“I have in no way, either by acts of commission or omission, sought to arrogate power and authority to myself, away from His Excellency the President and First Secretary, Cde RG Mugabe,” he added.
He rapped an “alien trend” whereby party members who used to his name in factional fights and “some fellow government ministers” who have accused him of leading Lacoste.
Mnangagwa has acted as Mugabe’s chief election officer in a series of elections which were dogged by allegations of widespread rigging, including the 2008 presidential re-run from which MDC-T candidate, Morgan Tsvangirai withdrew due to violence. Nehanda Radio
