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.”
The Central Committee extended its decision to lift suspensions on others within the region, effectively ending a period of intense political infighting that had destabilized the Midlands. The decision was based on hearings that found the suspensions to be unjust, politically motivated moves lacking organizational endorsement.
In its report, the Central Committee noted that Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri, ZANU PF’s national chairperson, oversaw 23 disciplinary cases from eight provinces. In the Midlands alone, over 30 suspensions were imposed under Chiherenge’s leadership. Wadyajena was among those whose suspensions were overturned after being accused of undermining the party’s 2023 election candidates—a charge later dismissed as baseless.
With his suspension lifted, Wadyajena has resumed his influential role as Chairman of the ZANU PF Gokwe North District Coordinating Committee (DCC), and Florence Rwodzi was also reinstated in her role within the Midlands Provincial Women’s League.
The High Court ordered the release of Wadyajena’s trucks and vehicles after clearing him of wrongdoing, allowing his business to resume.
Although his detractors had anticipated his downfall, Wadyajena’s resilience has again proven formidable, underscored by the support of President Emmerson Mnangagwa, who stood by him through each challenge.
Throughout earlier ZANU PF factional conflicts—including clashes in 2014 against a faction aligned with then-Vice President Joice Mujuru and later with political commissar Saviour Kasukuwere—Wadyajena defied expectations and retained his standing.
Observers might surmise that Wadyajena benefits from either a unique resilience or strong political support that bolsters his continued success. In the current factional struggles within ZANU PF, his reinstatement raises questions about party alliances and the potential consequences for those who opposed Mnangagwa’s will.
The recent history of ZANU PF serves as a reminder of the precarious nature of political loyalty—one that only the inattentive would disregard, likely at their own risk.
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