Former Zanu PF legislator Blessed Geza has leveled severe accusations against his party colleagues, claiming that they are personalizing leadership around President Emmerson Mnangagwa and sidelining veterans who played pivotal roles in Zimbabwe’s history, including the ousting of former President Robert Mugabe in 2017.
In a charged interview with HStv, Geza, a veteran of Zimbabwe’s 1970s struggle for independence, expressed that the true power to decide Zimbabwe’s leadership—whether to continue with Mnangagwa or switch allegiance to his deputy, Constantino Chiwenga—lies with the war veterans, not just within the confines of the party’s war veteran’s league.
Geza revealed that the Zanu PF war veteran’s league, often seen as the mouthpiece for veterans, is just one of several groups with vested interests in the nation’s governance. He stressed that there are broader veteran communities whose contributions and sacrifices are being overlooked in the political maneuvering at the top levels of government.
The interview took a dramatic turn when Geza accused Anxious Masuka, the Minister of Lands and Agriculture, of land expropriation from war veterans. He issued a stern one-month ultimatum to Masuka to return the appropriated lands to their rightful owners. Geza threatened significant action if the lands were not returned, including mobilizing veterans and citizens to reclaim lands, particularly those owned by state officials, though he noted that Mnangagwa and Chiwenga’s properties would not be targeted.
“This isn’t just about land. It’s about respect and acknowledgment of the sacrifices made by our veterans. If those in power think they can continue without our support, they are mistaken,” Geza stated emphatically.
Further, Geza criticized former State Security Minister Owen Mudha Ncube, claiming he was unfit for the role traditionally held by veterans. Geza’s remarks reflected deep-seated frustrations with how loyalty and qualifications are recognized within the party’s ranks, suggesting that personal allegiance rather than capability influenced appointments.
The former MP described a culture of sycophancy and gossip within the party ranks, accusing some party members of currying favor with the leadership by engaging in deceit and manipulation. He lamented that such dynamics undermined the party’s integrity and distracted from the substantive issues facing the nation.
Geza also directed his ire at opposition figures, specifically naming Sengezo Tshabangu, the self-imposed secretary general of the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC), whom he labeled a “political criminal.” He accused Tshabangu of subverting democracy by unduly recalling elected members of Parliament, an action Geza claimed undermined the will of over two million voters who supported the opposition in the last election.
“The actions of individuals like Tshabangu threaten the democratic fabric of our nation, which is what we, as veterans, fought to establish. The multi-party system for which we risked our lives is being jeopardized by those who wish to manipulate it for personal gain,” Geza added passionately.
Throughout the interview, Geza called for a return to authentic leadership values, emphasizing the need for leaders who prioritize the nation’s and its people’s welfare over personal or factional interests. He argued that only through genuine leadership and a commitment to the foundational principles of the nation’s struggle for independence could Zimbabwe navigate its complex political landscape effectively.
In conclusion, Geza’s stark criticisms underline significant rifts within Zanu PF and highlight ongoing struggles regarding leadership credibility, veterans’ welfare, and the broader socio-political stability in Zimbabwe. His outspoken stance invites reflection on the direction the nation is headed and the voices that are shaping its course.
Source: Newsday
