ZANU PF factional fights in the Manicaland women’s league played out in public during a provincial co-ordination committee (PCC) meeting held in Mutare, where feuding factions fought for seats at the high table.
The fights have sucked in Zanu PF secretary for legal affairs Patrick Chinamasa and Senate president Mabel Chinomona, who are backing rival factions for control of the provincial women’s league.
Mercy Sacco, believed to be Chinamasa’s ally, who is the current acting chairperson of the women’s league in Manicaland, is being challenged for the post by Dorothy Mabika, who is allegedly backed by Chinomona.
Mabika is also being recognised as the chairperson of the province in some circles.
Mabika and Sacco sought to outdo each other at the PCC, sitting at the top table, claiming to represent the women’s league.
Chinamasa had to intervene, cautioning the two against the public spat, saying the matter will be settled at the upcoming politburo meeting.
"I am secretary for legal affairs and l must ensure the law is followed,” Chinamasa said during the meeting.
Chinamasa said the law was not followed when Mabika was elected chairperson this year.
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He said Sacco was the provincial chairperson, arguing that the party leadership over-ruled Mabika’s election.
The post became vacant following the suspension of Happiness Nyakuedzwa last year.
“I raised this in the politburo and it will sit on the 4th of July, and l am sure it will deal with it," Chinamasa said.
"That is why they are sitting here together, because we don't want to embarrass anyone. We will wait for the politburo outcome.”
Some women's league members at the meeting said they elected Mabika as the chairperson.
Zanu PF information director, Farai Marapira, however, downplayed the factional fights in Manicaland when contacted for comment.
"There are no factions in Zanu PF. It’s the work of the opposition that is confusing vibrant engagement as factionalism,” Marapira said.
