By Phillan Zamchiya

Dear Reader, I hear that the mourning of Chivayo is becoming another theatre of the ZANU-PF succession struggle.

While Mnangagwa and his hardcore faction mourn Chivayo, General (Rtd) Chiwenga was conspicuously elsewhere, inspecting some Hoja RABBITS, twu TSURO, at Chivaraidze Farm along Luna Road in Umwinsidale, just a few kilometres from the funeral.

I am told that Chiwenga, Mohadi and senior Generals have been under pressure either to attend the mourning or publicly join their BOSS Mnangagwa in expressing condolences.

Mohadi has now issued a formal statement, leaving Chiwenga increasingly isolated within the Presidium. Reader, remember Muchinguri attended.

Chivayo had become publicly identified with Mnangagwa’s political-business network, while Chiwenga has repeatedly denounced the zvigananda (cartels) surrounding the state.

The concentration of Mnangagwa loyalists at the mourning has therefore made attendance, absence and even silence markers of factional alignment.

More so because Chivayo is a “State Provincial Hero” from Mashonaland East, Chiwenga’s own home province.

The succession battles remain dangerously fluid.

It is still very hot inside ZANU-PF!

Credit: Phillan Zamchiya