(Last Updated on February 9, 2016 by Editor)
ZIMBABWE – Zanu-PF Deputy National Secretary for Science and Technology Cde Patrick Zhuwao has refuted claims by war veterans leader Cde Chris Mutsvangwa that he has agreed to differ with him on their divergent political positions.
Minister Zhuwao, flanked by Zanu-PF Mashonaland West provincial chairperson Cde Ephraim Chengeta and his deputy Cde Keith Guzah, told a media briefing yesterday that he has no “modus vivendi” with Cde Mutsvangwa.
He said this was impossible, especially after Cde Mutsvangwa admitted to having cordial relations with the European Union.
A modus vivendi is an accommodation where parties agree to disagree as well as to continue on a direction of their choice.
Cde Zhuwao said: “I wish to state that I have not agreed to disagree with Chris Mutsvangwa.”
This follows weekend private media reports in which Cde Mutsvangwa, who is also the Minister of Welfare Services for War Veterans, War Collaborators, Former Political Detainees and Restrictees, was quoted as saying “he had a modus vivendi with both (Cde) Kasukuwere and (Cde) Zhuwao”.
Cde Mutsvangwa made the said remarks after he was asked how he related to Zanu-PF National Political Commissar Cde Kasukuwere and Cde Zhuwao, who have been linked to a political faction in the party known as G40.
“I wish to correct an impression created by Chris Mutsvangwa wherein he indicated he has a modus vivendi with Kasukuwere and Zhuwao,” said Cde Zhuwao. “I wish to state that I have not agreed to disagree with Chris Mutsvangwa, especially in light of his stated cordial relations with the EU, which has imposed sanctions on Zimbabwe and still maintains them.”
Cde Zhuwao said he can never accept a situation in which any State entity or grouping disregards and tramples on the democratic expression of the “sovereign people of Zimbabwe.”
He said that the EU’s position on President Mugabe and First Lady Amai Grace Mugabe, whom Cde Zhuwao said “are an embodiment of the sovereign State of Zimbabwe”, makes it unacceptable for any leader in Zanu-PF to contemplate or announce that they have cordial relations with the EU.
“I can never reach accommodation with those that hob-nob with such retrogressive forces who have a proven track record of consistently attempting to effect regime change in Zimbabwe and thus undermining sovereignty of this nation.”
Cde Zhuwao said in order to prove that he had no “modus vivendi” with Cde Mutsvangwa, he supported the position taken by the Zanu-PF Provincial Coordinating Committee of Mashonaland West to pass a vote of no confidence in the war veterans leader in December last year.