The province is famous for being turbulent political waters. Former ZANU PF Joyce Mujuru is a political heavyweight who came from the province who became popular for leading a faction which wanted to wrestle power from President Mugabe. Saviour Kasukuwere is another political heavyweight who hails from the province. Kasukuwere is famous for being a G40 kingpin who was viewed as the Obama of 2013.
Kenneth Tashinga a Mashonaland Central development enthusiast told this reporter that, “The province is difficult to manage and requires a seasoned political tactician who will unite the province. Joyce Mujuru and her allies still hold considerable power and influence in the province, while Kasukuwere is probably the most popular politician from the province.”
Tashinga further added that, “Kazembe Kazembe is viewed as a political novice who is inexperienced to play politics with the likes of Chen Chimutengendwe, Nicholas Goche, Brigadier Shungu, Sam Parirenyatwa, Kenneth Musanhi and several others who are the king makers in the province. The late Perence Shiri had a difficult time marshaling the province into order. Kenneth Musanhi now has the most difficult task of bringing people together under Kazembe Kazembe.”
A member of the provincial executive who spoke on condition of anonymity added that “The land of Mbuya Nehanda needs a unifier, a seasoned political veteran to lead the campaign towards 2023.”
A politburo member from the province concurred that, “The President needs to deploy General Chiwenga to unite the province and bring order. The DCC process in Mashonaland Central needs to be handled with utmost care and members of the current provincial executive need to be as far away from the process as possible.”
“The current executive will try and use the process to impose their own candidates, knowing fully well that he who controls the DCCs controls the provincial elections.”
A female war veteran known as comrade Mabhunu said, “Mashonaland Central is going to be a hive of economic activity with the Muzarabani energy project among several others. The province needs a chairman and an executive that have a good rapport with the grassroots, business and liberation war Veterans.”
She added that “James Makamba would have been an ideal candidate but his past is likely to be used as a double edged sword for his demise.”
Political commentator John Mbizvo weighed in saying “Incumbent Provincial chairman Kazembe Kazembe only joined ZANU PF in 2013 and rose through the ranks with the help of Dickson Mafios, Kasukuwere’s older brother.
“Kazembe Kazembe inherited the Kasukuwere structures which lead to a 100% victory in the province. However, Kazembe Kazembe has failed to organise rallies in the province which has the most seats under ZANU PF. Bulawayo Province with only 1 seat has held successful rallies and programs which have been graced by the Presidium.”
