FACTBOX: Key players in Zimbabwe politics

HARARE (Reuters) - South African President Thabo Mbeki, mediating in Zimbabwe's post-election crisis, is due to go there on Saturday amid growing optimism for progress in power-sharing talks.

Here are some facts about Zimbabwean political figures besides President Robert Mugabe and opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai who might feature prominently in any new government.

VICE PRESIDENT JOSEPH MSIKA (ZANU-PF)

Sworn in as vice president in 1999, Msika has credentials as a founding leader of Zimbabwe's nationalist liberation movements. Msika is also vice president of Mugabe's ZANU-PF and one of the veteran leader's closest allies, a position which may give him an edge over his party colleagues in a new government.

But he hinted at retirement last year, suggesting he may not have the stamina to help rebuild a country ravaged by an economic crisis. Born December 6 1923.

JOICE MUJURU (ZANU-PF)

Zimbabwe's other vice president, since 2004. Mujuru and her husband, retired general Solomon, are believed to lead one of the two main factions within the ruling party. The other faction is led by Mujuru's bitter rival Minister of Rural Housing Emmerson Mnangagwa. Mujuru has plenty of experience in government.

She was one of the youngest members of Mugabe's first cabinet at independence in 1980, at 25 years old. Mujuru joined Zimbabwe's liberation struggle as a teenager and rose to become one of the few women commanders. She has headed several government ministries, including information, women's affairs and rural resources. Born April 15, 1955.

ZANU-PF NATIONAL CHAIRMAN JOHN NKOMO

The speaker of the last parliament and former Home Affairs minister has exhibited political boldness, which has proven risky during Mugabe's rule. Remains close to Mugabe. In 2006, he openly admitted his ambitions to succeed Mugabe. Born August 22, 1934.

MINISTER OF RURAL HOUSING EMMERSON MNANGAGWA (ZANU-PF)

A member of ZANU-PF's politburo, its highest decision-making body, he has long been considered Mugabe's preferred successor. Mnangagwa appeared to have fallen out with Mugabe in 2004 but is believed to be back in favor.

The former parliament speaker was Mugabe's chief election agent in the June polls and represented Mugabe at an emergency regional heads of state summit at the height of election tensions. Mnangagwa regained his parliamentary seat in March 2008, having lost two elections in 2000 and 2005. He has also headed the Justice and State Security ministries. Born September 15 1946.

THOKOZANI KHUPE, MDC VICE-PRESIDENT

The trade unionist backed Tsvangirai when the MDC split in 2005, a decision which could give her political leverage if Tsvangirai ends up running the country. She has served as MDC vice president since 2006 and was first elected to parliament in 2000. Born November 18 1963.

MDC SECRETARY-GENERAL TENDAI BITI