By A Correspondent
Zanu PF leader, Mr. Emmerson Mnangagwa, sparked controversy on Friday when he made a lighthearted comment directed at Vice President Constantino Chiwenga. During a public gathering, Mnangagwa jokingly told Youth Minister Tino Machakaire not to inform Chiwenga about the donation of one beast he had received.
In what seemed to be a casual remark, Mnangagwa quipped, “Musaratidze VaChiwenga vanozondibira mombe yangu yakanakisa,” which translates to “Don’t show Mr. Chiwenga my finest cattle, he might steal it.”
While the comment was made in jest, it immediately triggered a wave of reaction from both political commentators and Zanu PF members, with many criticizing the statement for being in poor taste. The timing of the joke, amidst the growing factionalism within the ruling party, raised eyebrows.
Infighting within Zanu PF has been a longstanding issue, and the comment seemed to fuel speculations about the ongoing tensions between Mnangagwa and Chiwenga, two of the party’s top figures.
The casual nature of the remark was seen by some as an attempt to downplay the serious infighting within the party, but for others, it appeared as a veiled jab at the Vice President. “In a time when unity is critical for the party, such statements only exacerbate the divisions,” said a senior political analyst, speaking on the condition of anonymity. “Jokes like these, especially involving such high-profile individuals, can be misinterpreted and end up fanning the flames of discord.”
Chiwenga, a key figure in the military and political landscape of Zimbabwe, has had a rocky relationship with Mnangagwa, and the two have been at odds at different points throughout their political careers. Although the comment was intended as lighthearted, it did little to reassure those within and outside the party about the state of Zanu PF’s internal harmony.
As the debate over Mnangagwa’s comment continues, the focus now shifts to whether this “mombe yangu” joke will contribute to further deepening the fractures within the ruling party. With the 2023 elections on the horizon, many are wondering whether such remarks are a reflection of deeper issues in Zanu PF’s leadership.
Whether Mnangagwa’s words were truly intended as a harmless joke or a subtle dig at Chiwenga, one thing is clear: in the world of Zimbabwean politics, even the most seemingly innocuous comments can have far-reaching consequences.