ZANU-PF lures Mutambara

Clemence Manyukwe, Political Editor

ZANU-PF — desperate to annihilate its rivals at the next elections, has dangled a carrot in front of beleaguered Deputy Prime Minister Arthur Mutambara whose political star took a rapid tailspin following his dramatic ouster as president of the smaller faction of the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC-M) early this month. Impeccable sources revealed this week that the 45-year-old former MDC-M president is featuring prominently on ZANU-PF’s shopping list of charismatic politicians with technocratic backgrounds whom it wants to win over to reboot its political fortunes ahead of the make-or-break elections scheduled for this year.
The shopping list, according to the insiders includes Mavambo/ Kusile/ Dawn (MKD) leader, Simba Makoni, who, at 30, became the youngest bureaucrat in President Robert Mugabe’s cabinet when he was appointed minister of industry and energy in 1981 after joining the country’s first black administration a year earlier as deputy minister of agriculture.
While Makoni might be a hard target for ZANU-PF despite the fact that he is struggling to turn MKD into a political force to reckon with, Mutambara is seen in the position of a drowning man who can clutch at a straw in a desperate bid to enhance his fortunes.
Until Sunday, Mutambara had looked safe in his lofty position of Deputy Prime Minister (DPM) despite having been reduced to an ordinary card-carrying member of the MDC-M in a bloodless coup at the party’s acrimonious congress held early this month. His fortunes now hang by the thread after the MDC leadership — in its wisdom or lack of it — resolved at the weekend to re-assign him to a lesser glamorous post of Minister of Regional Integration and International Co-operation.
Indications are that the embattled DPM, who is currently weighing his options, is unlikely to accept the ministerial appointment, which will make him jobless.
But he can still cling to his post at the benevolence of President Mugabe should the shrewd politician, for strategic reasons, ignore a recommendation from the MDC to demote the robotics professor and elevate Welshman Ncube, the new MDC leader, to the position of DPM.
This is, however, highly unlikely unless President Mugabe wants to compound the bickering in the volatile inclusive government.
Technically, the incumbent now has a perfect excuse to stall the re-assignment. Legal experts this week said President Mugabe might dig in citing a pending court action in which former MDC-M national chairperson, Joubert Mudzumwe, is leading a splinter group challenging Ncube’s election. Mutambara is said to be taking his re-assignment as an insult since the Ministry of Regional Integration and International Co-operation appears to exist only in name.
According to a recent report by the Parliamentary Committee on Foreign Affairs, the ministry is at number 36 out of the 37 ministries in terms of budgetary allocations for this year.
The report adds that the ministry has only two vehicles, and has resorted to slashing its vacancies from 32 to 20 due to inadequate funding and limited office space.
Some of the ministry’s employees are recent graduates with no experience and require training, but there are no funds for that.
Sources said President Mugabe’s strategists have sounded out Mutambara on the possibility of defecting to ZANU-PF and joining its think-tanks who are plotting the downfall of the MDC-T led by Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai.
Ideologically, it is difficult to distinguish Mutambara from ZANU-PF hardliners, which won him more enemies than friends within the MDC-M.
Beyond issues of ideology, critics see Mutambara and many others of his generation fighting ZANU-PF as belonging to a group of people that got frustrated with ZANU-PF’s failure to renew itself and not its policies. They then joined opposition politics in order to deliver change.
Rightly or wrongly, Mutambara, who first cut his teeth in local politics as a student leader at the University of Zimbabwe (UZ), has been accused of sounding more ZANU-PF than the party he was supposed to represent, formed specifically to wrest power from President Mugabe and his party. He has been one of the most vociferous opponents of targeted sanctions outside ZANU-PF.
Should the DPM switch camps, he may land a diplomatic posting or earn an appointment as a special envoy on sanctions.
Mutambara was not available to comment on his political troubles this week, with his office saying he was out of the country and would be back on February 6. He is understood to be attending the World Economic Forum currently underway in Switzerland.
ZANU-PF secretary for information and publicity, Rugare Gumbo, said Mutambara would be welcome to join the party.
“It is natural that we would welcome him back. We have always said that we are an inclusive party, a progressive party. If Mutambara says he wants to come, there are procedures to be followed and once that is done, I don’t see any problem at all, although that would be the decision of the leadership,” he said.
Writing in one of the State-owned dailies last week, the paper’s columnist, Nathaniel Manheru, believed to be stationed at Munhumutapa Building where the offices of the Presidency are housed, said after being deposed from the MDC, Mutambara would never be the same as he had learnt a lot and had been accorded “vast accommodation” by President Mugabe.
Manheru added that losing the MDC leadership post would prove not to be a terrible thing for the former UZ student leader as he is faced by what he termed an onward march.
“Unexpectedly, and through repeated interaction with (President) Mugabe, he met filling depth, inexhaustible profoundness, vast accommodation and an alluring myth from which he found much to tap to build his own aura. To see the two together was like seeing a revolutionary grandfather trying to impart and inspire an eager youth so hungry for fame. Arthur has imbibed a lot from the old man, which is what will never make him the same,” wrote Manheru
Sources said the possibility for Mutambara joining the MDC-T was next to nothing as his obsession with nationalist and Pan-Africanist terminology would prove a liability in the eyes of the latter’s backers.
MDC99 president, Job Sikhala, said his former boss was better off forming his own party.
Mutambara was parachuted by Ncube to head the MDC-M in 2006 following its infamous split from Prime Minister Tsvangirai’s MDC-T.

Comments (32) Add Comment

Show/Hide comments

...
written by CryTheBelovedCountry, February 11, 2011

Madictators ese vane mazita anotanga "Mu" vanop***a mhani. Mubarak, Museveni, Muama Gadafi, and wedu "Mu", naiko ka "Mutambara" aka, he wantsto be a mini dictator. Thats why our African countries will never be true democratic states.

...
written by George T Chabvonga, February 10, 2011

The man is a genius, but politcs requires m*re than scientific brains. Politcs is a game for charismatic people and it appears the Professor failed in this area. I strongly recommedn that he goes to the labs and does some serious teaching and research on robotics and maybe he might come up with a scientific solution to send ZANU PF marching in the 2011 elections.

...
written by babashep, February 10, 2011

Our challenge is for us all to contribute to the development of our country, each of us in our won small ways! We cannot afford to let our country slip back into the dark ages that has seen the majority of us crossing borders as economic refugees and that has left our country behind. We are Zimbabweans and our country has all what we need. Let us restore our intsitutions and reclaim our global position....a capable people fit to determine our destiny. Let us reject cheap politics and rally behind principles behind politics. Dark days are gone we must usher a new Zimbabwe ... a better country for us free from the looters, thieves, greedy and cantankerous individuals, political stooges...! Let's shape and focus our country together with tolerance and vision. Let's us flash out rogue politicians! Let's stand for principles.

...
written by lololo, February 10, 2011

haiwawo zanu yavekudzoka kumba kwayo

-1

...
written by lololo, February 10, 2011

haiwa ZANU yavekudzoka kumba kwayo

...
written by madube, February 09, 2011

haiwawo diko!!!!!!!

...
written by mboleki, February 09, 2011

mutambara akagara ari we zanu. its not suprising. even ncube ndewe zanu zvakare. saka chekuchema hapana mese murivana ve zanu

...
written by Fatso Wemahwani, February 08, 2011

....Aah varume, Mutambara vacillates m*re than a loose pendulum! His emotional intelligence completely doubtful, I wouldn't have him for presidency.....the cla*sroom may be, teaching robotics!

Hameno......Cry the Beloved Country.

...
written by Thomas Machote, February 07, 2011

These petty and silly squables in these small and new "political parties" shows that ZANU PF is a strong revolutionary party beyond all odds and certainly thrive for as long as they remain steadfast to the ideologies of the Party leader and the electorate. It has been in existence before, during and after independence and one would wonder where the security of the vote will be if one invest that vote in these new political parties composed of people who are bitter and hungry for power. Down with all these upcoming stupid political parties that are trying to isinuate the Egyptian style of destruction of the national peace and security of Zim. With or without Mutambara, Ncube, Sikala or Tsvangirai.......ZANU Pf will obviously be there to stay!!!!

...
written by CHENJERAI mAKUDO, LONDON, UK, February 05, 2011

Zim-politics is a real Comedy to watch. Mutambara risks being ousted by his party? Which party will oust Mutambara from the Parliamentary ‘seat’? Welshman Ncube’s appointment has been challenged by MDC-M members.
So; IF I WERE MUTAMBARA, I would simply say “I still represent MDC-M ...it’s Welshman Ncube who has formed a ‘NEW’ party; let him come forward and present his party-credentials to the electorate.”
Luckily, Mutambara is ‘robotics’ and not ‘legal-wise’ but there is a real possibility that Welshman Ncube has practically parachuted himself out of the MDC-M ...the MDC-M which has seats currently in PARLIAMENT.
If Mutambara wants to be a real hot-head; the state of his nature as Student Activist at UZ, then this Comedy can even become a Thriller soon.

...
written by Jakarasi, February 05, 2011

Ncube is waste of resources. I have followed him closely since the formation of MDC and has always been bent on confusing others for personal benefit. A Mugabe in the making.

...
written by DZAMUt*aNA MUCHURU, February 05, 2011

Recent events in Ivory Coast, Tunisia, Egypt and God knows exactly where next are an awakening call to all like dictators who i believe are currently wetting their bottoms for fear of being overthrown by the owners of authority that is the people. Sooner rather than later the whole of Africa will be wiped off of all these vultures

...
written by batanai, February 03, 2011

reading though this report I can see that the writer did not have any facts he is merely speculating. This is a tool that failed reporters or biased reporters use when they want to advance their agenda. I would prefer a balanced report where you do not lead the reader. Terms like beleagured/embattled before any party should be added by the reader himself not by the writer unless its a letter to the editor or as i see it column.

...
written by Musumuvi, February 03, 2011

AGO organise people like you used to at the UZ and we will rally behind you to usher a new political dispensation, Tunisian Egyptian way. We are waiting to join from the diaspora. Go AGO go!!!!!!!!

...
written by Breaking News, February 03, 2011

This is my first contribution of any kind of publication house or to anyone, before I pitch in with a personal and carefully weighed a**lysis of the situation in Egypt in view of the domino effect in Zimbabwe please bear with my wrtting infancy.

My soul goes out to the brave people of Egypt, Mubarak has being rejected by the entire world. They have feared their leader ,the army and the police for decades. The people have spoken. Freedom, peace and democracy and opportunities to all for the Egyptians.I truly admire their courage and persistence. They will succeed.

Without any shock we hear of the Ma*s action starting in Zimbabwe on 21 Feb 2011.Please my brothers organize the movements and avoid confrontation with any satanic forces that prefer to shed blood unnecessarily. Good luck beloved Zimbabwe!!

Mugabe MUST just resign on 21 February to avoid international Humiliation and possible hanging looming.I know all his CIOs and cronies think otherwise but the power is in the hands of the people.Enough is enough.

...
written by J.Hondo, February 02, 2011

Ma*s ACTION AGAINST THE DICTATOR AND HIS CRONIES STARTS IN ZIMBABWE 21 FEBRUARY 2011, EVERYONE GET FOOD STOCKS AND BASIC MEDICATION & GET READY.DETAILS TO FOLLOW LATER!!!!!!!!!!!!!

-1

...
written by vesterhen, February 01, 2011

it is error alone which needs support of the government, truth can stand on its own. mutambara just like simba makoni is the rightful ingrediennt, why should he be corrupted by zanu pf hooligans

-1

...
written by dhewa mukuru, February 01, 2011

dear zimbabweans in my own opinion it is imperative to reflect were we come from and the other divisive forces at play who have significantly contributed t the suffering in zim.We want men who can engage in hard, solid thinking not men who look for easy answers and half baked solutions. belief you me you need a man like mutambara - he shows principle.we should usher such man into leadership.i respect tsvangirai but to me he is not the calibre of man who can withstand the machinations of the imperialist who want proxy leaders who will dance to their whims.kutaura chokwadi mugabe with his flaws has fought gallantly for the respect and dignity of an african. I am in the diaspora I have seen the hypocrisy.kanamuinenharo - endai ku south africa, britain. I would prefer mutambara getting zanu-pf and be groomed for leadership.look at leadership which waas supported by the west - chiluba, odinga. Outside they are waiting for mugabe to die so that they reverse land redistribution. if we give them the right to mine diamond - their is no violation of human rights.

...
written by Ahoi, February 01, 2011

look for brains not parties. Mutambara is a fine young nationalist who is the bridge between Mugabe and Tvangirai. Forget about Ncube he is dead and burried!

...
written by Matemai Idhara, February 01, 2011

@Repoter: "Mutambara was not available to comment on his political troubles this week" - are you sure Mutambara has troubles. It's Welshman who has problems trying to gate crushing the party....

...
written by Matemai Idhara, February 01, 2011

Simple mathematics...why would I elevate my enemy? This is an opportunity to frustrate my him as much as possible...
Good luck Welshman, I guess you didn't factor in the great tactician phenomenon....

...
written by Dr Dhakwai, Canterbury, February 01, 2011

Politics is an institution. You do not leave politics because of other competitors. Great people are always down-played because their potential is a probable eclipse to others' manifestations. Mutambara is relatively novel to mature politics. His silence tells a tale of forces failing to reach equilibrium. He knows his next statement is make or break suggesting he can put his own fortress on his political stature or sink like the Titanic.
Joining this or other party or failure thereof; as long as its bilateral willingness is undeniably up to him. We, innocent by-standers will just evaluate if the union was built on a bonafide level foundation. This will also determine how we respond and our inclination. If he joins the Peoples Party, then the ailing MDC will suffer total paralysis.
It will be commendable for Mutambara to leave the MDC and join ZANU PF if it eventually comes to fruition. Zimbabwe needs people who can propel the motion forward, under which party is of no substance. Mutambaras' potential is independent of the party to which he belongs. He has his own potential as an individual which is different from the compound potential of a party. Take your time Arthur until you have irreversible bonafide response. For now enjoy your right to remain silent.

...
written by Chimedzanemburungwe ..., February 01, 2011

"..the country needs Mutambara,s brains badly..", is an imm*ral statement by Eddy Mushayanyama above. What brains do we need ipapa? "There are only two parties in Zimbabwe, Zanu-PF and MDC-T, the rest are Zanu-PF projects", retired major Mbudzi. Why do we waste time talking about auxiliary political players instead of focusing on real issues. Any serious opposition must joing m*rgan, Fullstop.

...
written by Wa gunguwo, February 01, 2011

The quality of reporting in this paper is now leaveing a lot to be desired. Manyukwe, for instance, the tone of your article is amaturish at best. Remember that some of your readers have a m*re solid a**lysis of the political landscape of Zimbabwe than you have. My advice to you and to a lot of you young reporters is to be neutral in your reporting regardless of your political affiliations. Chakaodza does a better job and of cause he is your boss. By a neutral stance I ask you to emulate the way Maisisri tackles a topic, he is by and large neutral he leaves you to make you own conclusions after laying down the facts. Kapish?

...
written by Wa gunguwo, February 01, 2011

I concur with Eddy Mushayanyama that Zimabawe needs Mutambara m*re than Mutambara needs Zimbabwe.We have a bunch of wanabes and outright idiots wanting to and actually running this country of ours. The problem is most of our so called leaders lack brains and most of our smart and educated compatriots are in self impossed exile because they can't deal with this stupidity. We have ignorant electorate that are like children who do not know what is good for them. Some of leaders have absolutely no concept of the geo-political make up of the world.both ZANU AND MDC politicians they just want to look good to foreign powers whose interests are different from those of zimbabwe.I feel sorry for the quality of our politicians and our largely ignorant electorate that are scared to chart their own destiny.

...
written by Soshangana, January 31, 2011

Babashep don`t lie not everybody was Zanu pf. Chipinge was never Zanu pf but was once Zanu, ZUM and then MDC. But Zanu pf does not have any shame; of late it had pf been bitting even vanhu vekuChipinge who have never voted Zanu pf. Chipinge is one district caught in a crossfire.

...
written by Vasco da Gama, January 31, 2011

Mutambara is better off on payback mission to ncube. Best that he does m*re harm than good to this tribalist. I have a few suggestions: why not further split MDC-M -its very simple Mutambara claims his brand name MDC-M back withthe support of Muhdzumwe & co., Ncube creates his own MDC-N brand. The parties must tow alongside tribal lines and we will see who wins. But the powers vested in me, I declare that there be two MDCs from MDC -M.Let the competition between two famed proffessors begin!!!! That will further weaken Ncube but Mugabe will have the last laugh if not Tsvangirai. If only this MDC-M thing was not a ZANU PF project from the beggining, then Bob must be quipping besides himself with laughter-but he is not, see how he is calling the shots on the DPM status?? Sounds farmiliar??. Same with The Makoni project, the Dabengwa project and this Ncube project and Sibanda project. ZANU PF is running too many such projects to its detriment. Its actually not spliting the opposition base, but strengthening it.Shame !!!!

-2

...
written by Eddy Mushayanyama, January 30, 2011

Look here, the country needs Mutambara,s brains badly. Zimbabweans should wake up and know that the biggest political party that we all belong to is the Zimbabwean Nation. This myopic obsession with partisanship becomes ridiculous sometimes. There is no need for Aurthur to apologise for Pan African views. If anything we should all feel proud to have a man of his calibre who is highly talented and spent many years imbibing Western knowledge but still came back focussed and ready to serve his country. Well done Mutambara.

...
written by DC, January 30, 2011

Mutambara displayed a lot of political immaturity. At one time he sounded like he was Zanu PF, the party he was fighting. For him to land a Deputy Prime Minister in the GNU was a terrible thing that ever happened for Zimbabwe. He must go and teach, for at least ten years before going back to politics.

...
written by babashep, January 30, 2011

Munotaurisa, at this age we need to see Zimbabweans identifying those essntial ingredients that form the rubric of our society and that enbale us to move our country together! At one moment everyone was ZANU-PF, even Tsvangirai, he had his "card remusangano"! Having diferent ideologies at one point dose not make one not to subscribe a ZANU-PF or MDC whichever ! Let's rally behind politics if the package being tabled behind us make sense to us, not to go for Mugabe or Tsvangirai, that's not the point....it what we are going to do within thier manifestos!.....Let the good happen! .......we are sick of you who create animosity among Zimbabweans and derail and impede our development. We want to be full Zimbabweans, operating whing a true eaqual partic**atory framework! Mutambara has a choice...whatever he choose...he is a Zimbabwean! Go ahead Ago!