War veterans held several marches at various provincial headquarters in the country, where they successfully cowed provincial executives into rallying behind Mugabe’s candidature to represent the ruling Zanu (PF) party in the presidential race.
A few months ago, national war veterans chairman, Jabulani Sibanda, who also led the marches, denied reports that any money exchanged hands between his association and Mugabe, accusing those who made such claims of being sell-outs burnt on dividing the ruling party and usher in a puppet candidate.
However, party sources this week revealed that Mugabe splashed money during and after the long marches to senior members of the war veterans association, adding that plans are also underway to reward the former freedom fighters with an across-the board healthy salary increment effective this month end.
“The war veterans’ leaders were paid before, during and after the marches, while the rest will get a hefty salary increment at the end of this month for taking part in the marches. The president is happy with the way their campaign was done and would like them to continue to campaign for the party as it prepares for the elections,” said a senior party source.
According to the sources, the war veterans leaders were each paid Z$50 million as their first payment in September, Z$100 million in November and an undisclosed sum, which included other material gifts in December, after the marches.
Sibanda is said to have received a brand new Toyota Hilux double cab vehicle, together with three other top ranking officials who included his deputy, Joseph Chinotimba. The two were also rewarded with a house each in the plush suburb of Borrowdale by Mugabe.
“They really benefitted a lot from the marches and will do anything to make sure that Mugabe wins so that they get more rewards. The campaign for the elections is set to start anytime from now and you will see how they will perform. The opposition will have no chance,” said a source.
When reached for comment, Sibada confirmed that he and other members of his asociation “eventually” received “tokens of appreciation for a job well done” from Mugabe, but would not say more.
“It was just a token of appreciation that we eventually received for doing the job so well. But we did it because we felt it worth doing, not for any rewards. I cannot tell you more than that,’ he said.
Didymus Mutasa, the party’s Secretary for administration, refused to comment on the reports, saying that it was confidential information.
“Leave me alone, I cannot discuss confidential party information with you. I know your motive,” charged Mutasa.
With pic of Kunonga – caption: Ousted bishop Nolbert Kunonga. Â
Post published in: News