Some Zanu PF provinces, youth and women's leagues have called for the elevation of Zimbabwe's First Lady Grace Mugabe to the position of vice president following the sacking of Emmerson Mnangagwa, who was once regarded as President Robert Mugabe's so-called right hand man and possible successor.
According to the state-controlled media, Masvingo and Manicaland provinces on Monday resolved that Mrs. Mugabe should be the next vice president, a move widely regarded as part of Mr. Mugabe's succession plan being spearheaded by a faction of the ruling Zanu PF party known as Generation 40 or G40.
President Mugabe fired Mnangagwa, who allegedly led another faction, citing disloyalty, deceitfulness and other issues.
Several Zanu PF top officials linked to Mnangagwa in various provinces are currently being expelled from the party.
In Manicaland province, they include Oppah Muchinguri, Patrick Chinamasa and Chris Mushohwe, Mike Madiro, Joshua Sacco, Moses Gutu, Winnie Mlambo, Joseph Mujati, Christopher Chingosho, Alice Chitima, Oliver Mandipaka, Gorden Chikwanda, Timothy Mapungwana, Monica Mutsvangwa, Ellen Gwaradzimba, Tasin Dube, Hubert Nyanhongo and Judith Mawire.
At least 15 party members - State Security Minister Kembo Mohadi and his wife, Tambudzani, former Rural Affairs Minister Abedinico Ncube, and former Senator Japhet Dube - have been told to leave the party with immediate effect in Matabeleland South.
Masvingo, Mashonaland East and Mashonaland West provinces are also purging Mnangagwa’s allies ahead of the party's Extra Ordinary Congress expected to be held in December.
Indications are that Mrs. Mugabe will be elevated to the post of vice president. Phelekezela Mphoko, who is believed to be part of the G40 faction, is currently the only vice president.
In 2014, several senior Zanu PF members were expelled when the party decided to dump then Vice President Joice Mujuru. The party claimed that she wanted to topple President Mugabe, was incompetent and corrupt. Mrs. Mujuru dismissed the allegations as far-fetched.