The newly elected leadership of the Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans Association (ZNLWVA) is facing controversy due to an unresolved legal dispute involving three competing factions led by Elias Marashwa, Ethan Mathibela, and Christopher Mutsvangwa.
High Court Judge Philda Muzofa recently instructed the factions to resolve their leadership dispute and submit their findings by October 21, 2024. However, despite the ongoing legal proceedings, the congress proceeded in Gweru on October 12, resulting in the removal of Mutsvangwa, who had served as the association’s leader for 11 years.
In the election, Mutsvangwa secured only 11 votes, while Cephas Ncube emerged as the new leader with 294 votes. Other candidates included Albert Ncube, who garnered 90 votes, and Victor Matemadanda with 75 votes.
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Ahead of the congress, Edward Dube, the secretary-general of a faction aligned with Mathibela, warned that proceeding with the event would violate the court’s directive. Dube stated:
> “It has come to our attention that one of the factions is attempting to host a ZNLWVA Congress on October 12 in Gweru. Given that this matter is still pending before the courts, such a Congress would be invalid and in direct contravention of the Court’s Order.”
The newly formed executive committee includes Shorai Nyamangondo as Vice-Chairperson, Joel Murerengwa as Secretary-General, Thomas Manyima as Head of Legal Affairs, Vincent Chinone overseeing Transport, Section Ncube managing Finance, Sanik Nguni leading Security, Nyembesi Togara in charge of Women’s Affairs, and Samuel Parirenyatwa as Political Commissar.
The legitimacy of this leadership team remains uncertain, with the pending court ruling expected to clarify the association’s governance and resolve the factional dispute.