A few months ago, it seemed inevitable that factional conflicts within ZANU PF had ended Justice Mayor Wadyajena’s political journey.
However, Wadyajena’s critics, particularly in the Midlands Province, overlooked a key detail: repeatedly throughout his tumultuous career in both business and politics, he has faced setbacks, only to make a comeback with renewed strength.
As a businessman, he encountered a major hurdle when he and several associates were implicated in a controversial fraud case involving COTTCO. This resulted in his personal vehicles and haulage trucks being seized, temporarily halting his operations.
Politically, Wadyajena suffered a setback when he lost the primary election to his long-time rival, Flora Buka, which cast doubt on his future in ZANU PF. Adding to his troubles, opponents sought his suspension and even expulsion from the party, but he found an unexpected ally in the President, who intervened to prevent his suspension.
On multiple fronts, he faced significant challenges, including severe criminal allegations that could have led to substantial prison time. His business activities were also impacted as the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) seized his high-value trucks and luxury cars. Viewed by many as politically motivated, these actions led some to believe his career was over. However, just as his critics were ready to dismiss him, Wadyajena re-emerged stronger, regaining his position in the party and revitalizing his business.
Leveraging his legal acumen, he took his case to the Supreme Court, where top judges determined that there was no evidence to support the accusations from COTTCO and ZACC, confirming that the legal challenges he faced were politically driven. Consequently, ZACC conceded that its initial case was unfounded. This marked a significant victory for the resolute former MP.
The ZANU PF Central Committee, the party’s main policy-making body, overturned Wadyajena’s suspension, which had been instigated by opponents within the Midlands, notably Provincial Chairman Edson Chakanyuka Chiherenge. Chiherenge, who is now rumored to be facing his own political challenges, had been seen as aligned with an influential Midlands “king-maker.”