Zimbabwe’s political stability faces fresh test as ICT Minister leads controversial anti-Chiwenga songs at national shrine, revealing deepening party divisions.
Zimbabwe’s ICT Minister Tatenda Mavetera sparked a political firestorm after leading hostile chants against Acting President Constantino Chiwenga during a national hero’s burial at Heroes Acre in Harare yesterday. The incident exposed growing tensions within the ruling ZANU PF party.
Witnesses captured Mavetera, leader of “Young Women for ED,” chanting “mupanduki mupanduki nguva yakwana, chera mwena” (“traitor, traitor, your time is up”) from the stands. Her group, dressed in pink and carrying toy crocodiles symbolizing President Mnangagwa, faced off against pro-Chiwenga supporters.
“Leave Chiwenga alone, why do you hate him?” responded a nearby group seated with military personnel, creating a tense atmosphere at what should have been a solemn state occasion.
Ntokozo Msipha, Secretary-General of the General Chiwenga Voluntary Supporters Association, condemned the minister’s behavior. “Such reckless and provocative actions have no place at national events and must not be repeated,” he said.
Political analyst Clive Malunga criticized Mavetera’s priorities. “Instead of focusing on her ministerial duties to advance Zimbabwe’s technology sector, she’s engaging in factional bootlicking,” he said.
The incident occurred during the burial of national hero Justin Mupamhanga, transforming a memorial service into a display of ZANU PF’s internal power struggles.
Attempts to reach Minister Mavetera for comment were unsuccessful. Political observers note that similar displays of factional defiance have previously led to swift repercussions for ZANU PF officials.