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Following the death on 4 August of Joseph Msika, the new Second Vice-President is likely to be the Chairman of the Zimbabwe African National Union-Patriotic Front, John Nkomo. He is Ndebele and already sits in the Presidium, among the ruling party's top four officials. President Robert Mugabe regards him as dependable and studiously neutral in the factional fighting between supporters of the former Zimbabwe Defence Forces chief, General (retired) Solomon Mujuru, and current Defence Minister Emmerson Mnangagwa. Nkomo is clever but not politically bold and is likely to return Mugabe's favour with strong support for the 85-year-old President at ZANU-PF's congress in December....

(This article contains approximately 570 words)

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Keywords:

Joseph Msika, John Nkomo, Robert Mugabe, Solomon Mujuru,, Emmerson Mnangagwa, Welshman Mabhena, Joshua Nkomo, Naison Ndlovu, South Africa, Simon Khaya Moyo, Obert Mpofu, Sikhanyiso Ndlovu, Kembo Mohadi, Dumiso Dabengwa, Simba Makoni, Joyce Mujuru, Didymus Mutasa, Nathan Shamuyarira, David Karimanzira, Stan Mudenge