PRESIDENT Emmerson Mnangagwa is set to meet war veterans in the next two to three weeks, so we are told.
Obviously, the meeting is about mending relations with the veterans of the liberation struggle.
Zanu PF central committee member Blessed “Bombshell” Geza was the first to speak his mind out, in the process telling Mnangagwa to step down.
Next was Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans Association chairperson Ethan Mathibela, who early last month launched a scathing attack on senior officials within Mnangagwa’s administration, accusing them of rampant corruption and betrayal of the revolutionary ethos.
Mathibela alleged that Mnangagwa is “surrounded by criminals” who are enriching themselves at the expense of ordinary Zimbabweans.
Known for his candid criticism of government excesses, Mathibela warned that unchecked corruption within the ruling Zanu PF party will erode public trust and destabilise the nation.
“President Mnangagwa’s vision for the country is being derailed by the people around him,” Mathibela charged.
“These are criminals who do not have the interests of Zimbabweans at heart.
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“They are abusing their positions and taking advantage of their proximity to power.”
Reeling under pressure, Mnangagwa believes he still has the capacity to pacify the disgruntled war veterans.
Programmes championed by Special Investments Presidential Adviser Paul Tungwarara have been launched, like the War Veterans Welfare Fund, where each province is receiving a US$150 000 revolving fund from which the liberation fighters will access interest-free loans to start projects.
There is also the borehole drilling scheme and household solar power installation project.
All these are meant to pamper the veterans of the 1970s war, who have seemingly been placed at the lower rung of the list of importance.
Suddenly, the Zanu PF storm troopers during most elections have woken up from a deep slumber.
They are clear on what they want: Mnangagwa has failed and must go.
Last week, Mathibela was at it again, reiterating that The Emperor must bid farewell.
It will be a tall order for Mnangagwa to get the liberation war icons back in his corner.
They accuse him of running down the economy, presiding over a failed system, a tanking economy, cronyism, nepotism, deep corruption, among a myriad accusations.
Everyone is complaining about the same.
Zimbabweans have had enough of the rampant corruption wreaking havoc to the economy.
Many complain that only “kapenta” is being caught in the fight against corruption, while big fish is getting away with murder.
Cronyism and nepotism have reached alarming levels, with powerful politicians wining and dining with those accused of milking the country dry through getting tenders and inflating prices.
To make matters worse a faction of the ruling party is pushing for the extension of Mnangagwa’s tenure by two years to 2030.
His successes and failures are there for everyone to see.
He does not deserve a term extension.
Reports have also emerged that there are some who are chanting the ED2030 slogan by day and decampaigning the same by night.
No one wants to see another day with Mnangagwa in power.
Everyone can’t wait to see his back at the end of his five-year two-term tenure in 2028.
Whatever they are going to discuss when they meet, the war veterans must refuse to be lured by trinkets into supporting the ED2030 agenda.
Our war veterans deserve better.
This is no time to be hoodwinked into a life of perpetual promises.
The horses have bolted.
