Former Energy Minister Dzikamai Mavhaire has returned to Zanu PF, marking his second return to the ruling party in two decades. This move, which comes after a period of political and financial hardship for Mavhaire, has sparked speculation about his motives, TellZim has reported.
Mavhaire’s fortunes took a dramatic downturn after he was fired as Minister of Energy in 2014, amidst factional fights within Zanu PF. He was subsequently expelled from the party and lost his shares in Bikita Minerals, which was sold to the Chinese company Sinomine in 2022.
His truck company also collapsed, and the ministerial fleet he left government with has continued to depreciate. Mavhaire has been surviving on a struggling horticulture project at his farm near the Great Zimbabwe Monuments.
Sources who accompanied Mavhaire to a recent meeting with President Emmerson Mnangagwa at State House revealed that the former minister requested a private meeting with the President. These sources suspect that Mavhaire was seeking financial assistance.
“We went with him (Mavhaire) to meet the President. We were, however, surprised when he suddenly pleaded with the President for a private meeting. We are not sure what he wanted to discuss with the President but we suspect it has to do with his welfare as you can see he is in a sorry state,” said one source.
When contacted by TellZim News, Mavhaire denied joining Zanu PF. He questioned the reporter’s focus on his political affiliations, suggesting that he was more interested in positive news about development.
“So you want to write that I have joined Zanu PF? Have you ever seen my CCC membership card?” he asked before hanging up.
Political analysts have weighed in on Mavhaire’s decision, suggesting that his return to Zanu PF is driven by self-preservation and a desire to benefit from the ruling party’s resources.
Dr Lucas Aribino, a political analyst, stated that “What has just happened is indeed a qualitative indicator of the credo that politics is about self-preservation. In terms of international relations, politicians just behave like nation states that enter into either bilateral or multilateral agreements for the purpose of comparative advantages, it is the ‘what is in it for me’ thing.”
Dr Arthur Fidelis Chikerema, who previously worked with Mavhaire, echoed this sentiment, describing the former minister as a “power-hungry politician” who always seeks to be close to power. Chikerema pointed to Mavhaire’s past behaviour in various political parties, highlighting his opportunistic nature and his desire to be in control.
“The issue with Dzikamai Mavhaire should not be a surprise to anyone. I knew him when we were both representing our respective provinces during our tenure at the inception of Zimbabwe People First (ZPF) led by former Vice President Joice Mujuru. What I observed is that Mavhaire is an opportunist and a power-hungry politician as he was the self-imposed chairperson. Due to his egoistic and power-hungry nature he engineered the split of the party as there was disagreement on the composition of the constitution on the issue of two vice presidents where the ‘young turks’ wanted one vice president which made members think that ZPF was a Zanu PF project,” said Dr Chikerema.
He further noted that Mavhaire’s return to Zanu PF is not surprising, considering the difficulties faced by those who leave the ruling party. “Everyone knows that if you leave Zanu PF, life will not be rosy, as they will come after you and will strip off all of the benefits you were getting. Being left as director of Bikita Minerals shows that there is a paradox, meaning that there were still connections between him and Zanu PF,” said Dr Chikerema.
Mavhaire’s return to Zanu PF comes after a period of close association with opposition leader Nelson Chamisa. He was a vocal critic of former President Robert Mugabe, calling for his resignation due to old age. This criticism is believed to have contributed to his expulsion from Zanu PF.
Despite Mavhaire’s return, his son Moses, who is involved in charity work in Masvingo Central, has publicly declared his loyalty to Chamisa and his refusal to join Zanu PF.
