Andreas Ethan Mathibela, the leader of a faction of the Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans Association (ZNLWVA), has denounced the recent elective congress held by Christopher Mutsvangwa’s faction in Gweru on October 12, calling it a “nullity” and divisive.
The faction held an elective congress in Gweru, which resulted in Mutsvangwa’s defeat, with him receiving only 11 votes.
Instead, Cephas Ncube from Bulawayo was elected as the new chairman with 294 votes, followed by Albert Ncube of Matabeleland North with 90 votes, while Zimbabwe’s Ambassador to Mozambique, Victor Matemadanda, came in third with 75 votes.
Speaking during a press conference at the Bulawayo Media Centre on Tuesday, Mathibela asserted that Mutsvangwa’s faction was composed mainly of ZANU PF War Veterans League members, and not bona fide ZNLWVA members. He said (via <a href="https://cite.org.zw/mathibelas-war-vets-reject-rival-congress-as-invalid/">CITE</a>):
<blockquote>
The Mutsvangwa faction went ahead and conducted a so-called elective congress, which, in my view, was hastily arranged. Almost 100 per cent of those present were ZANU PF War Veterans League, members.
They chose what I would call a puppet executive, obviously against a court order. To me, this congress is a nullity.
There is a court order that prevents splinter groups from usurping the authority of the ZNLWVA as a whole. 
Our organisation, ZNLWVA, is a national organisation that represents over 75 per cent of existing war veterans.
We exist by reason of a constitutional provision of the Constitution of Zimbabwe.
</blockquote>
High Court Judge, Justice Philda Muzofa, ordered the three ZNLWVA factions led by Mathibela, Mutsvangwa, and Elias Marashwa, to reach a consensus on the legitimate leader of the association and report their final decision to the court by October 21, 2024. Said Mathibela:
<blockquote>
We always reiterate our issues pertaining to the three factions before the Zimbabwean courts in Chinhoyi, the learned judge alluded to our squabbling and said it was not worth it and advised us to sit at the table. My so-called faction welcomed that order because it was an order.
We were given that before the 21st of this month (October) we should have sat down and reasoned around the best ways we can work together and I can only speak on behalf of my faction.
We have already sat down and we have reasoned that we are willing to go for the congress. This is the reason in the interest of unity it is not the first time.
Minister of Veterans – Monica Mavhunga, and Minister of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare – July Moyo, represented by Lovemore Matuke, invited us for the same reason, to sit and find a day to do the congress because we represented the same constituency.
Guess what, the Mutsvangwa faction didn’t even attend, they undermined the authority of the government.
Midway, the Marashwa faction walked away, also openly disrespecting the authority of the government.
</blockquote>
Mathibela said his faction remained in the meeting and proposed to rerun the elective congress, stating they wanted to unite veterans rather than remain in “factious deployments.”
He said many wanted him to condemn Mutsvangwa, Mahiya, Matematanda, and Ncube, but said it was more important to address the “elephant in the room.”
Mathibela accused the Mutsvangwa faction of abandoning the interests of war veterans in favour of personal gains, as they are “political appointees” who want to “please their appointer.”
He expressed hope that the factions would eventually come together for an elective congress that represents all war veterans.
Mathibela called for dialogue, urging his counterparts to sit down and work towards a unified congress. He is hopeful that they will agree to hold the elective congress that caters to all war veterans.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Pindula News

The leader of one group of war veterans in Zimbabwe doesn't agree with another leader's recent election. He thinks it was not fair and caused division. A court has ordered the leaders to agree on who is the real leader by a certain date. The leader who disagrees says he wants to unite all war veterans and have a fair election. He thinks the other leader only cares about their own benefit and not the veterans. He wants everyone to talk and work together to have a fair election for all veterans.

ZNLWVA Faction Leader Mathibela Denounces Mutsvangwa's "Divisive" Elective Congress

The legitimacy of the new leadership of the Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans Association (ZNLWVA) elected during a congress in Gweru on Saturday is under scrutiny due to a pending court case involving three factions led by Elias Marashwa, Ethan Mathibela, and Christopher Mutsvangwa.
High Court Judge Justice Philda Muzofa ordered these factions to reach an agreement on the legitimate leadership of the ZNLWVA and report their findings by October 21, 2024.
Despite this ongoing legal matter, the congress proceeded, resulting in the ousting of Mutsvangwa, who had led the association for 11 years.
In the election, Mutsvangwa received only 11 votes, while Cephas Ncube emerged victorious with 294 votes. Other candidates included Albert Ncube with 90 votes and Victor Matemadanda with 75 votes.
Before the congress, Edward Dube, the secretary general of a faction aligned with Matibela, warned that the event would be deemed invalid as it would directly violate the court’s order. Said Dube:
<blockquote>
It has come to our attention that one of the factions is attempting to host a ZNLWVA Congress on October 12 in Gweru. Given that this matter is still pending before the courts, such a Congress would be invalid and in direct contravention of the Court’s Order.
</blockquote>
The new ZNLWVA executive committee includes Shorai Nyamangondo as vice-chairperson, Joel Murerengwa as Secretary-General, Thomas Manyima as Legal Affairs head, Vincent Chinone overseeing Transport, Section Ncube leading Finance, Sanik Nguni in charge of Security, Nyembesi Togara heading Women’s Affairs, and Samuel Parirenyatwa as Political Commissar.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

The war veterans in Zimbabwe have new leaders, but there is a court case to decide if they are valid. The court wants the leaders to agree by October 2024. The old leader, Mutsvangwa, was removed at a congress, and a new leader, Cephas Ncube, was chosen. Before the congress, one faction said it would be invalid because of the court case. The new leaders have different roles, like vice-chairperson and secretary-general. The court will decide if the new leaders are really in charge.

Court Case Clouds Legitimacy Of War Veterans’ New Leaders

Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans Association (ZNLWVA) Masvingo provincial chair Tendeukai Chinooneka said that they support ZANU PF’s stance in the province calling for an extension of President Mnangagwa’s term beyond 2028 when his second and final term is set to conclude.
ZANU PF structures are calling for Mnangagwa to remain in office past 2028 to ensure the realisation of his vision of transforming Zimbabwe into an upper-middle-income society by 2030.
Chinooneka’s remarks follow a dissenting opinion from some war veterans in Masvingo Province, who said that Mnangagwa should respect the Constitution and step aside when his current term ends. Said Chinooneka (via <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/masvingo-war-veterans-fully-behind-ed-continued-leadership/">The Herald</a>):
<blockquote>
We have more than 4000 war veterans in Masvingo province and what is being said in other press reports that war veterans do not support President Mnangagwa’s continued stay in office beyond 2028 is not a true reflection of the situation on the ground.
There are just one or two individuals who are expressing their individual opinions. The correct position is that we stand with what the party (ZANU PF) says and here in Masvingo the ruling party has said they want President Mnangagwa to remain in power beyond 2028 and we are also guided by that.
</blockquote>
Some ex-combatants in Masvingo Province described efforts to keep Mnangagwa in power beyond 2028 as “crazy”.
Speaking to <a href="https://tellzim.com/masvingo-war-vets-resist-mnangagwa-third-term-bid/">TellZim News</a>, a war veteran named Western Ezrah from Masvingo condemned the individuals who were “misleading the President” by asking him to violate the constitution. He said:
<blockquote>
In 2013, the people of Zimbabwe, whom we liberated through the war of liberation, wrote a constitution.
The same people whom we freed are the ones calling for the breaking of the same constitution they wrote. 
Calling for a third term is madness, the constitution is clear and the president should abide by it.
So those who are pushing him to continue are really mad.
</blockquote>
Ezrah added that ZANU PF had clear guidelines in place and that those individuals pushing for a third term for President Mnangagwa had no real understanding of the party’s origins or its long-term vision. He said:
<blockquote>
People do not know where ZANU PF is coming from and if you look closely you will see that those calling for the extension of the term limit have no background of the liberation and the party itself.
The party has a hierarchy and that hierarchy was used since the war of liberation and if you look at the presidium you will see who is supposed to take over.
Even culturally, the elders eat first and because we are a cultured people, the elders lead first in their order.
</blockquote>
Another war veteran, Retired Major General Gibson Mashingaidze, told TellZim News that President Mnangagwa should unequivocally follow the Constitution and refrain from seeking a third term in office, as he had previously promised.
Another war veteran who preferred anonymity said the Constitution is clear on presidential term limits.
He stated that as war veterans, they firmly believe in the peaceful transfer of power and upholding the Constitution.
The veteran added that those pushing for a third term for President Mnangagwa were doing so for their benefit, rather than the greater good of the country.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

The War Veterans Association in Masvingo, Zimbabwe supports extending President Mnangagwa's term beyond 2028, while some war veterans disagree and want him to follow the Constitution. Some say it's "madness" to seek a third term, as the Constitution is clear about term limits. Others argue that the party's history and culture support following the rules and allowing for a peaceful transfer of power. Those pushing for a third term are accused of acting in their own self-interest rather than the country's best interest.

Masvingo War Veterans Chairman Backs ZANU PF's Call For Mnangagwa's Term Extension

The Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans Association (ZNLWVA) says the government should desist from threatening its people and accusing them of carrying out subversive activities.
Responding to questions at the Bulawayo Media Centre on Friday, ZNLWVA chairperson Andreas Ethan Mathibela said the government must stop making “idle threats” against its people but instead, address the issues that are causing citizens to voice their discontent.
Mathibela’s remarks came after the Ministry of Information, Publicity, and Broadcasting Services, Jenfan Muswere, who was the acting Minister of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage, on Friday threatened people engaging in “subversive activities” that “their days are numbered.”
Muswere accused the opposition, some politicians, and certain Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) of attempting to “instigate anarchy and despondency.”
However, Mathibela said the government should deal with national issues rather than threaten imaginary enemies. He said (via <a href="https://cite.org.zw/znlwva-to-govt-stop-threatening-citizens-take-action/">CITE</a>):
<blockquote>
We must deal with national issues. A security threat comes as a result of an uneven playing field by the government, where it partially accepts some and admits others as friends while deeming others as enemies.
As long as there’s that kind of subtle division, unity of purpose will not prevail.
</blockquote>
Mathibela said war veterans are not doing anything subversive by demanding accountability from the government. He said:
<blockquote>
Whatever we are doing is open. We invite all, including the security cluster, to attend our meetings because the agenda will be very clear. I trained for many years in security, I know the definition of subversion.
For someone who is not pleased, someone who feels threatened, he or she will deem challenges as subversive. I think that is a misnomer.
We are not threatening the government of this country, even the ruling party or any other political party in this country.
All we are saying is that this country is not doing well economically, politically, and socially, and we want to be part of the solution.
We have even come up with some solutions to collaborate with the government. We wrote many letters.
I recall one to the president (Emmerson Mnangagwa) to say we would want to work with the government. We were not responded to.
</blockquote>
In the statement issued yesterday, Muswere accused unnamed opposition politicians and CSOs of attempting to foment chaos in the country to solicit funds from foreign donors and revive their waning careers. He said:
<blockquote>
… as Government we are warning perpetrators of these serial choreographed theatrics who are involved in subversive activities aimed at undermining the rule of law that their days are numbered and that their lawless plans will never see the light of day.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

War Veterans Call On Government To Take Action Rather Than Issue Threats To Citizens

A faction of the Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans Association (ZNLWVA) is concerned that some of their colleagues are planning to turn the organisation into a political party to challenge ZANU PF in future elections.
There are fears that the war veterans were inspired by events in South Africa where former president Jacob Zuma formed the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK Party) which contested the 29 May general elections and denied the ruling African National Congress (ANC) a governing majority.
As reported by <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/thestandard/news/article/200028391/war-vets-mull-forming-political-party">The Standard</a>, a faction of the ZNLWA has been secretly plotting to form a new political party after President Emmerson Mnangagwa allegedly revealed his intentions to extend his mandate beyond the two-term constitutional limit.
The faction, led by Moffat Marashwa, last week walked out of a meeting held in Harare on Monday to discuss various issues affecting ex-combatants, saying the meeting was being used to prepare for the formation of an opposition party.
The meeting was co-chaired by War Veterans Minister Monica Mavhunga and acting Public Service Minister Lovemore Matuke.
National executive members of another faction of the ZNLWVA such as Andrease Mathibela, Dadirai Gijimana and Edward Dube, also attended the meeting, as well as Douglas Mahiya, who is the ZANU PF War Veterans League national secretary in the politburo.
<blockquote>
In a communique dated June 11, 2024, to update members of his faction, which was seen by The Standard, Marashwa wrote:
The meeting was intended to inform us of a roadmap (sic) they had planned to hold an illegal national congress of the ZNLWVA on an unknown date.
Cde Marashwa’s deligates (sic) walked out of the meeting after realising that the meeting was intended to convert the ZNLWVA into a political party like what happened in South Africa where MK challenged ANC in the recent elections…
As your national executive committee, we are going to resist any actions intended to divert the ZNLWVA founding objectives of improving the welfare of our members.
</blockquote>
Mathibela, who leads a ZNLWVA camp that is not a ZANU PF affiliate, confirmed the meeting but denied claims that they were plotting to form a new political party. He told The Standard:
<blockquote>
There is no element of truth in that. We are just talking about the state of the nation where we pray things could change for the better for all Zimbabweans as currently, Zimbabwe is not functional.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

War Veterans Mull Forming Political Party

A faction within the Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans Association (ZNLWVA) has openly criticized ZANU PF members who are allegedly advocating for an amendment to the Constitution to eliminate the presidential term limit.
According to The Standard, on Friday, March 15, police prevented the ZNLWVA from holding a meeting in Bulawayo. The suspicion was that the conveners were perceived as party spoilers.
The meeting was organized by the ZNLWVA, led by Andrease Mathibela. The war veterans’ welfare organisation is closely affiliated with ZANU PF.
Within ZANU PF circles, Mathibela’s leadership is seen as a resistance movement against the broader political plans of President Emmerson Mnangagwa and his faction.
After the ZNLWVA meeting was banned, Mathibela held a press conference in Bulawayo. During this conference, he issued a warning to those advocating for what he termed “dynastic rule” in Zimbabwe. He said:
<blockquote>
On March 16 and 17, 2013, Zimbabweans en masse voted for a new constitution following the referendum which had a turnout of 95.5% of the electorate.
Unanimous in this constitutional resolve was the irreversibility of the land reform programme and the rationality of the presidential term limit to two five year terms.
…Yet today, we have seen the unceremonious abandonment of the indigenisation laws, which sought to reverse years of colonial injustice and domination by protecting Zimbabwean nationals from future subtle re-colonisation practices and dispossession of our rightful heritage by new colonial masters.
Equally, we have witnessed gross mischief by a few sloganeering misfits, who seek to test the waters by conditioning the population to accept the setting aside of our sacred constitutional provisions, thereby attempting to usher in an open ended dynastic rule for Zimbabwe. “Let them be warned.
</blockquote>
Matibela also criticized the police for disrupting their planned meeting.
Reports indicate that within ZANU PF, there is growing support for Mnangagwa’s bid for a third term but the move faces legal hurdles due to constitutional restrictions.
Section 91 of the constitution outlines qualifications for presidential candidates. It explicitly states that an individual is disqualified if they have already held the office of President for two terms, regardless of whether those terms were continuous or not.
Section 328 (7) of the constitution further restricts incumbents from benefiting from any constitutional amendment that extends the length of time in office.
In other words, even if ZANU PF manages to amend the constitution, Mnangagwa, as the incumbent, would not benefit from such an extension.
The legal precedent set by the case of Mupungu v Minister of Justice and others (CCZ07/21) sheds light on this matter.
In that case, the court ruled that prescribed term limits cannot be extended to apply to sitting incumbents without contravening section 328 (8) of the constitution.
Therefore, any amendment allowing third terms would not apply to Mnangagwa during his current tenure.
Mnangagwa controversially won the presidential elections in 2018, serving his first term until 2023. He is currently in his second term, which is set to expire in 2028.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

No Dynastic Rule In Zimbabwe, Say War Veterans

Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans Association (ZNLWVA) members have removed Christopher Mutsvangwa from his position as the chairman of the organisation.
War veterans accuse Mutsvangwa of unprofessionalism and failure to improve their livelihoods.
Addressing journalists in Harare on Wednesday, the ex-combatants said they have appointed a National Interim Committee with the Government’s blessing.
The interim committee’s vice chair, Ethan Matibela said the last ZNLWVA elective congress was held 10 years ago and Mutsvangwa’s tenure lapsed several years ago. Said Matibela:
<blockquote>
The Association’s constitution dictates that the organization should be run and operated by an elected national executive whose mandate would last for five years and thereafter, an elective congress would be conducted.
On several occasions, the association has experienced a gross disregard for its constitutional processes, chief among them, the lack of professionalism, no functioning systems in place, undue interference, lack of accountability and no clear programmes to embark on during the life of the sitting committee.
</blockquote>
He added that the majority of war veterans are without access to basic healthcare services, a decent living pension and no decent accommodation.
Matibela applauded the late former chairperson Chengerai Hunzvi for pushing the Government to give war veterans a $50 000 gratuity each in the late 1990s. He said:
<blockquote>
After this payment, the association suffered as management diverged from the core business of the private voluntary organisation’s welfare.
The ministry advised us to create a National Interim Committee to resuscitate the association by preparing an elective congress upon which a fresh mandate will be given to a new national executive to run the affairs of the association for the next five years.
</blockquote>
Speaking to <a href="https://www.newzimbabwe.com/war-vets-feud-zanu-pfs-mutsvangwa-ousted-for-lack-of-accountability-unprofessionalism/">NewZimbabwe.com,</a> Mutsvangwa said it was wrong for war veterans to wash their dirty linen in public. He said:
<blockquote>
I never feuded with my fellow war veterans during and after the liberation war. I am not going to feud with them now.
This is unbecoming for war veterans to feud in the public domain. I will never comment on what they are saying.
</blockquote>
The ZNLWVA was founded in 1990 to represent the interests of war veterans. It has been involved in various activities over the years, including advocating for better benefits for war veterans and supporting and speaking out against perceived injustices.
However, critics say ZNLWVA has become too closely aligned with ZANU PF and that its leaders have used their position to promote their own interests rather than those of all war veterans.
More: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

War Veterans Oust Christopher Mutsvangwa

The Zimbabwe National Liberation War veterans Association (ZNLWVA) have applauded the Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF) for restoring constitutionalism in the country. The war veterans said that the constitution had been thrown into the dustbin, hence it was imperative for the ZDF to act to restore normalcy and order in the country.  <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2017/11/15/general-chiwengas-full-press-statement/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">This comes after the ZDF took over power last night although they have emphasized that they are only doing so in order to arrest corrupt people responsible for the suffering of the people.</a>
Basking in their new found glory, after having spent the greater part of the last 18 months as pariahs, (ZNLWVA) secretary-general, Victor Matemadanda and spokesperson Douglas Mahiya addressed a press conference where he made the following remarks:
<ul>
<li>That Zanu-PF should return to constitutionalism and reverse all the expulsions and suspensions.</li>
<li>That President Mugabe should explain why he chose to associate himself with Jonathan Moyo.</li>
<li>That President Mugabe should explain why he failed to recognize the response by Mnangagwa.</li>
<li>That President Mugabe should be recalled as the first secretary and President of Zimbabwe.</li>
<li>That President Mugabe must explain why the Zanu-PF Youth League is bigger than all other Zanu-PF leagues.</li>
</ul>

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