by Gift Mawire
President Robert Mugabe last week blocked attempts by the G40 faction to railroad youth leader Kudzai Chipanga ‘s appointment as the deputy minister in the ministry of youth and economic empowerment.
Zanu PF sources said the commissariat led by Saviour Kasukuwere wrote to Mugabe seeking Chipanga’s appointment following the success of the million man match.
Kasukuwere wanted Chipanga to replace the current deputy Mathias Tongofa who has not shown to be belonging to either of the factions in Zanu PF.
Chipanga is a strong G40 ally and is fighting the ascendency of the vice president Emmerson Mnangagwa who is seen as a front runner in the bid to replace 92 year old Mugabe.
G40, led by first lady Grace Mugabe has vowed to derail and or oust Mnangagwa as the succession wrangle reaches unprecedented levels.
Sources said Mugabe, last week, met Chipanga at state house for 30 minutes where his issue was deliberated.
“Mugabe has blocked Chipanga because he does not have five ordinary levels subjects to warranty a ministerial post,” said the source.
“Chipanga has one subject at Ordinary level and this made it difficult for Mugabe to appoint him.”
Last month while addressing the Harare provincial conference Grace said she will persuade Mugabe to promote Chipanga.
Chipanga and his youth league have rallied behind Grace and they are now pushing for Mnangagwa’s ouster ahead of the December conference.
The youths are also pushing for the conference to be turned into a special congress so that Mnangagwa can be dropped and a new woman vice president is appointed.
This week Chipanga will hold the youth league executive meeting where plans to change the December conference into a special congress will be discussed.
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