BIKITA - Two Zanu (PF) factions in Masvingo are involved in a fierce tug of war in the battle to takeover and control Zimbabwe's sole lithium producer, Bikita Minerals.Bikita Minerals, located about 60 kilometers east of Masvingo, has of late been the battle ground of a raging battle to control the province between two Zanu (PF) factions, one led by Emmerson Mnangagwa and the other by Vice President Joice Mujuru. The fight threatens the smooth-running of operations at one of Zimbabwe’s top foreign currency earning mining entities.
The Mujuru faction formerly enjoyed unchallenged control through politburo member Dzikamai Mavhaire, who is a board member. But lately Mnangagwa’s faction has been pushing to gain control.
Recently, the Mnangagwa faction, through former Bikita West Member of Parliament Retired Colonel Claudious Makova, tried to take control of the mine under the pretext of indigenisation and went on to mastermind the kidnapping of the mine manager Ronnie MacPhail and three other senior managers who enjoy the tacit backing of the Mujuru faction.
The Mujuru faction hit back, after Mavhaire used his political clout and influence to have Makova’s youths jailed by a local magistrates court.
Now Mnangagwas lot, led by Makova, is reportedly trying to influence villagers to demonstrate against the mine, accusing it of destroying the environment.
Workers said they feared for their future after Zanu (PF) youths aligned to Makova descended on the mine last week and accused them of backing whites who work with Mavhaire.
Mavhaire rubbished claims that there was a fight to control the mine. “If there is a fight going on then obviously it does not involve me because I will not waste my time fighting against fellow party members. Anyone who is fighting me because I am a board member at Bikita Minerals is against Zanu (PF) policies and does not belong to the party,” he said.
Post published in: News