Staff Reporter

Internal squabbles have rocked the Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition (CiZC) with reports that its leader, Blessing Vava, was at loggerheads with the youths affiliated to the coalition who are accusing him of being a puppet of the G40.

A source who confided in this publication said Vava was verbally attacked by the CiZC youths led by Takudzwa Ngadziore for being a foot soldier of the G40, while neglecting the core business of that organisation.

The source added that the bone of contention between Vava and the youths emanates from Vava’s regional offensive plan where the coalition intends to tour the regional countries to meet like-minded Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) with the agenda of seeking their help in portraying Zimbabwe as a country in crisis. However, the youths told Vava that the tours were not strategic and effective as they have not yielded much in the past.

“The youths are saying it’s a waste of money and time for Vava to do the regional tours. They want Vava to concentrate on Zimbabwe as it is the local people who would vote in the next elections. Vava has been accused of taking instructions from Saviour Kasukuwere and Jonathan Moyo who have promised to fund his regional tours to meet other CSOs,” said the source.

According to the source, the youths believe that Vava is on G40 payroll and has been engaged to spruce up the battered image of the G40 ahead of 2023 elections. The youths are saying CiZC was an independent organisation and should not take instructions from people like Kasukuwere and Moyo as this would compromise the credibility of the organisation.

The source added that people like Ngadziore were convinced that Vava and the G40 kingpins have created a serious working relationship to the extent that the former was now a frequent visitor at Kasukuwere’s residence in Midrand, South Africa, where meetings to discuss the revival of the waning G40 project are held.

The source added that Ngadziore was also at loggerheads with CiZC chairperson, Rashid Mahiya, whom he wants replaced by Amalgamated Rural Teachers of Zimbabwe president, Obert Masaraure. Mahiya is being accused of abusing the organisation’s funds as well as failing to implement the resolution of having more youths in the echelons of that organisation.

Squabbles are threatening the survival of CiZC. Last month, a virtual meeting was aborted after some affiliate organisations accused Vava of employing a divide and rule tactic in running that organisation.