Generation 40

Generation 40 (G40) was a faction of the Zimbabwe African National Union – Patriotic Front (ZANU–PF). The G40 was an informal group of ZANU–PF politicians working on generation change by replacing the older officials of the party. The group promoted itself as the younger, savvy, and well educated ZANU–PF members. It was said to be led by Jonathan Moyo and ZANU–PF political commissar, Saviour Kasukuwere but fronted by Grace Mugabe,[1][2][3][4] the former First Lady of Zimbabwe.[5]

Moyo has claimed he coined the term that was now wrongly used to refer to a ZANU–PF faction. He stated that he first used it in the state-controlled Sunday Mail in August 2011. He stated that he was referring to younger generation of all political affiliations and gender.[6]

Among some of those believed to have been linked to the group were the nephew of Robert Mugabe and the Youth and Indigenisation Minister Patrick Zhuwao,[7] Sports Minister Makhosini Hlongwane, Deputy Minister of Public Service Tapiwa Matangaidze, Deputy Minister of Tourism Annastacia Ndhlovu,[8] Hurungwe East MP Sarah Mahoka, Manicaland former Provincial Affairs Minister and war veteran Mandiitawepi Chimene,[9] Vice-President Phelekezela Mphoko, Minister of Finance Ignatius Chombo, Foreign Minister Walter Mzembi, Minister of Energy and Power Development Samuel Undenge,[10] ZANU–PF's Mashonaland West chairman Keith Guzah,[11] Commissioner General of the Police Augustine Chihuri,[12] Masvingo Provincial Affairs Minister Paul Chimedza, Minister of State for Bulawayo Eunice Sandi Moyo, former ZANU–PF Youth League leader Kudzai Chipanga,[13] Youth League financial secretary Tongai Kasukuwere, political commissar Innocent Hamandishe, secretary for external affairs Mphehlabayo Malinga[14] and women’s league secretary for administration Letina Undenge.[15]

By 19 November 2017, many members of the G40 were expelled from ZANU–PF.[16] This was a result of the coup d'état which also led to the resignation of Robert Mugabe as President on 21 November 2017.[17] Godwin Matanga replaced Augustine Chihuri as the Commissioner-General of Police, with Chihuri retiring.[18] Generation 40 is rivaled with the Lacoste group within the ZANU–PF which is allied with current President Emmerson Mnangagwa.

  1. ^ Gaffey, Conor (24 August 2017). "Can Robert Mugabe's wife, Grace, still be president of Zimbabwe?". Newsweek. Retrieved 15 November 2017.
  2. ^ Meyer, David (15 November 2017). "What You Need To Know About the Coup in Zimbabwe That Could Oust Robert Mugabe". Fortune. Retrieved 15 November 2017.
  3. ^ Onishi, Norimitsu; Chin’ono, Hopewell (7 May 2016). "Seeing President Mugabe's Frailty, Zimbabwe Braces for Turmoil". The New York Times. Retrieved 15 November 2017.
  4. ^ "Zimbabwe Army Chief Criticizes Infighting in Ruling Party". The New York Times. The Associated Press. 13 November 2017. Retrieved 15 November 2017.
  5. ^ "The polarising Grace Mugabe". BBC News. 21 November 2017. Retrieved 22 November 2017.
  6. ^ "Jonathan Moyo reveals the origin of the term 'Generation 40'". iHarare.
  7. ^ Ncube, Xolisani (4 December 2016). "Mugabe's nephew mauls VP". The Standard. Retrieved 19 November 2017.
  8. ^ Mambo, Elias (8 January 2016). "Ministers face Zanu PF axe". Zimbabwe Independent. Retrieved 19 November 2017.
  9. ^ Ncube, Xolisani (31 July 2016). "Chimene: Why I attacked Mnangagwa". The Standard. Retrieved 19 November 2017.
  10. ^ Manyowa, Maynard (19 November 2017). "Newsflash: Mugabe removed as party leader, wife Grace banned for life". Daily Maverick. Retrieved 19 November 2017.
  11. ^ "Croc rocked as ally minister gets the boot". New Zimbabwe. 14 December 2015. Archived from the original on 1 December 2017. Retrieved 19 November 2017.
  12. ^ Cropley, Ed (15 November 2017). "FACT BOX: Key figures in Zimbabwe First Lady Grace Mugabe's 'G40' faction". Reuters Africa. Archived from the original on 15 November 2017. Retrieved 19 November 2017.
  13. ^ "List of people expelled by Zanu-PF". Nehanda Radio. 19 November 2017. Retrieved 19 November 2017.
  14. ^ "Zanu-PF youths jostle for Chipanga's post". Harare24. 13 September 2016. Retrieved 19 November 2017.
  15. ^ Frykberg, Mel (17 November 2017). "Zimbabwe military continues purge of 'criminal elements'". Independent Online. Retrieved 19 November 2017.
  16. ^ "Named: Just who got expelled from Zanu PF?". eNCA. 19 November 2017. Retrieved 24 November 2017.
  17. ^ "Zimbabwe's Robert Mugabe resigns, ending 37-year rule". BBC News. 21 November 2017.
  18. ^ "Zimbabwe military chief looks set for vice presidency". Reuters.