Vice President Emmerson Mnangagwa has come out strong in the battle to succeed President Robert Mugabe.

This emerged yesterday when the politburo met in Harare and the layout of structures showed that Mnangagwa has gone beyond the G40 barricade. One could easily tell the croc is now unstoppable and for the first time the succession plan now clearer. Zimbabwe’s future could easily be told in one line, by simply observing Mai Mugabe’s dressing top seen to have been copied by only two other ZANU PF politicians from her faction, Jonathan Moyo and Saviour Kasukwuere. Everyone else was in their normal British suits. Even though Mnangagwa was outshined by Saviour Kasukuwere and Jonathan Moyo, the latter who stuck to their Grace Mugabe taylor made regalia, it was all clear Mnangagwa is now at the lead. This was further buttressed by the fact that the Kasukuwere aligned Sarah Mahoka and Sandi Moyo were on the same day removed from their positions. Kasukuwere is now next in line for demotion, the state media says.

Friends, fiends, or foes? 

The two alleged G40 leaders Kasukuwere and Jonathan Moyo, were shining in an open political exterior, obeying the First Lady’s orders that loyal party members should wear her jacket brand. But they were the only ones in the rastafarian colours. The political statement was loud and clear on whose side the First Lady is on and coming hot on the heels of calls for Kasukuwere to step down, the dressing was enough to silence any voice of rebellion against the President’s wife and her powerful faction. Mnangagwa could be seen later in footage talking to the First Lady. PICTURES: