*📰Zanu-PF destabilising COZWA'* *FOLLOW THIS CHANNEL:✅* https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaApfgQ1XquYatYIdE1j The leader of the Children of Zimbabwe War Veterans Association (COZWA), Munyaradzi Shoko, has accused the ruling Zanu-PF party of sponsoring a parallel organisation aimed at destabilising COZWA, which has been openly critical of President Emmerson Mnangagwa's administration. Shoko's allegations came shortly after the government launched a presidential empowerment scheme for the newly formed Children of Zimbabwe Liberation War Veterans Association (COZLWVA), described by critics as a shadowy group aligned with Zanu-PF. At a launch event held in the Midlands province earlier this week, COZLWVA received US$500,000 in seed capital to start entrepreneurial ventures. Shoko claimed this initiative was part of Zanu-PF's strategy to weaken COZWA's influence. "When we formed COZWA in 2008 in Dangamvura, Manicaland, our goal was to create opportunities for the children of war veterans. Our organisation was never politically affiliated, and we remain independent to this day," Shoko said. He alleged that Zanu-PF's dissatisfaction with COZWA's critical stance led the party to back the creation of a rival group to push its political agenda. "Zanu-PF is now sponsoring this parallel organisation through Zvigananda. They are giving this rival group money as a means to destroy COZWA," Shoko claimed. The rival body, COZLWVA, has reportedly appointed President Mnangagwa's son, Emmerson Mnangagwa Junior, as its patron—a move Shoko interpreted as an attempt to promote dynastic politics within the ruling party. "Our fathers did not fight for Mnangagwa or Zanu-PF; they fought for the country," Shoko said emphatically. "We remain committed to the people of Zimbabwe. COZWA is for the people, and we stand for the people." Shoko further accused suspected Zanu-PF loyalists of obstructing COZWA's grassroots outreach efforts. Responding to the accusations, Zanu-PF director for information, Farai Marapira, dismissed the claims as unfounded. "We are a massive, colossal party. We are empowering everyone in the country, and any allegations that we are destabilising any organisation are not true," Marapira said. The newly launched presidential empowerment scheme adds to other government initiatives led by Presidential Adviser on Special Projects, Paul Tungwarara. Political observers suggest these efforts aim to consolidate support for a controversial proposal to extend President Mnangagwa's term of office from 2028 to 2030. *NewsDay*