Staff Reporter

Wabantu Economic Empowerment Revolutionary (WEER) is in the process of transforming itself into a political party under the name “Original Zanu PF” with a view to confuse the electorate and split the Zanu PF vote, a contact within the movement has revealed.

According to the contact, WEER is also planning to use a similar logo to that of Zanu PF and that it will only add a picture of the Unknown Soldier, to differentiate the two parties.

The contact further revealed that former Cabinet Minister and G40 member, Saviour Kasukuwere is the founder of WEER, while former Zanu PF youth leader Jim Kunaka is the Coordinator. Kasukuwere is reportedly mobilising for the campaign material to enhance visibility on the ground ahead of the 2023 harmonised election.

“Kasukuwere is currently mobilising for campaign materials like posters, fliers and party regalia so that party members and foot soldiers will be easily identified as we go through the mobilisation exercises. The issue of party colours is being looked into and will be finalised soon,” said the contact.

An interview carried out by this publication with Kunaka revealed that WEER is in consultation with Kasukuwere on the launch of the project and they are in the process of constituting grassroots structures.

“We are currently in consultations with Kasukuwere over the launch of the new party, regarding dates and other logistics. Grassroots mobilisation is currently under way and we are targeting the rural folk first before we engage the urban electorate. We are also targeting disgruntled Zanu-PF, MDC-Alliance and other opposition member, including all those sitting on the fence, with a thirsty for change,” said Kunaka.

Another contact within WEER told this publication that the mobilisation exercise is likely to hit a brick wall as there are no viable structures in most provinces.

“We are finding it difficult to win the hearts of the rural folk. They are madly in love with Zanu PF citing that at least the ruling party is giving them free agricultural inputs. Zanu PF grassroots structures are intact and hard to break,” acknowledged the contact.

Kasukuwere, the former minister of Local Government, and Public Works and National Housing is in self-imposed exile in South Africa, with ambitions to return to active politics in preparations for the 2023 election. It is rumoured he wants to stand for the presidential elections.