HARARE– Tempers are flaring within a faction of the Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans Association (ZNLWVA), as reports emerge of a brewing vote of no confidence against their leader, Andreas Ethan Mathibela Accusations of betraying the association’s values and benefiting from suspected Zanu PF patronage are at the heart of the escalating conflict Mathibela is facing intense scrutiny from within his own ranks following allegations that he received a fleet of vehicles, including Toyota GD6s and Acquas, from a Zanu PF benefactor under unclear circumstances Sources within the association claim that some of these vehicles are now operating as taxis in Bulawayo
According to insiders, the vehicles were collected from a local dealership in Harare The alleged sudden accumulation of wealth has sparked outrage among members of Mathibela’s faction, who are demanding an explanation for his newfound riches Some war veterans fear that Mathibela may have been “bought” to abandon his previously critical stance on the ruling Zanu PF party In an audio recording sent to executive members, Mathibela defended his wealth, claiming it stems from a US$16 million five-year contract with the Bulawayo City Council for road, sewer, and water reticulation works
“I have individuals coming to our association, and there is fierce conversation to tarnish my image, but most dangerously, in an effort to remove me from the position of chairmanship,” Mathibela said in the recording Mathibela maintained that he is a businessman and should not be questioned about the source of his income “Whilst I am the chair of this association, it doesn’t mean I am not working,” he stated “I have a contract in Bulawayo to repair roads, sewer, and water reticulation
It has nothing to do with the association I am doing it to make a profit…”
He further added: “I have not asked any other member how they are making a living We meet over issues of our welfare, but on a daily basis, what we do or how much we make has nothing to do with the association… If you want to pass a vote of no confidence, go ahead, that is the least of my worries, but what will you benefit?”
Mathibela later confirmed the existence of the audio to The Standard, stating that he wanted to “allay fears among his comrades” that he had been bought to silence criticism He confirmed that he had entered into a contract with Bulawayo City Council through his construction company, Murena Private Limited
“In all honesty, my private business is not for public consumption,” he said “I shared that information with my executive I wanted to allay their fear by simply saying, ah No, apart from leading an association, I have a life of my own with my family and I do hustle like everyone else, but I am not in the dealing business.”
When asked whether Bulawayo City Council had a contract with Mathibela, Bulawayo mayor David Coltart said he was unaware “I personally am not aware, but put your questions to Mrs Mpofu,” he said
Mpofu, the council spokesperson, had not yet responded to written questions sent by The Standard seeking clarification on the matter Despite the controversy, Mathibela vowed to fight for his position “I have already indicated we are going to meet with the executive,” he asserted “And I will read the riot act
I will simply have to step my foot I am the leader of that association And we have one clarity within my leadership.”
Source: My Zimbabwe
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Source: Myzimbabwe
