Zanu-PF bigwigs' spouses appointed to council positions via women's quota

In a surprising and controversial turn of events, some influential members of the Zanu-PF party in Masvingo province have been accused of securing council positions for their wives under the women's quota system, aimed at promoting women's participation in politics and local development. This move has raised eyebrows and contradicted the famous statement by former national war veterans' chair, Jabulani Sibanda, who once proclaimed that "power is not sexually transmitted."

During the turbulent period of Zanu-PF factional conflicts, Sibanda emphasized the importance of not inheriting power through family connections. However, recent investigations by TellZim News suggest that certain senior Zanu-PF members in Masvingo have used their influence to ensure their wives secure council seats through the women's quota system.

One notable case involves Deputy Minister of Finance and Economic Development, Clemence Chiduwa, who is also the newly elected Member of Parliament for Zaka South. Chiduwa's wife, Fungai Maregedze, was appointed to Zaka Rural District Council through the women's quota slots. Allegations suggest that Chiduwa leveraged his position within the Zaka District Coordinating Committee (DCC) to secure this appointment.

Chief Nhema, known as Rangarirayi Bwawanda, who is now a senator and a staunch Zanu-PF supporter, is also accused of influencing the selection of his wife, Portia Gwese, as a councilor at Zaka Rural District Council through the women's quota system. Chief Nhema had previously made ambitious claims about delivering an unrealistic number of votes during elections.

In Chiredzi Town Council, Sekai Njanjure, one of the three elected councilors, is allegedly the sister-in-law of Francis Moyo, a former Chiredzi Town council chairperson and Zanu-PF candidate for Chiredzi Central. Meanwhile, in Masvingo District, the wife of Masvingo West MP and former Minister of State, Ezra Chadzamira, also secured a position at Masvingo Rural District Council through the women's quota system.

TellZim's investigations reveal allegations of nepotism and corruption, which were among the key factors leading to the rejection of Francis Moyo by voters in Chiredzi Central Constituency. Many citizens have expressed their dissatisfaction with the level of nepotism, arguing that Zanu-PF's actions have undermined the government's noble objective of empowering and increasing women's participation in politics and local development.

Zanu-PF provincial chairperson, Robson Mavhenyengwa, defended the appointments, stating that all the women who won their positions did so through their party memberships and legitimate processes. He cited the example of the Mutsvangwas, Chris and Monica, who both hold prominent positions in the party and government.

However, analysts have criticized these appointments, citing moral concerns and their potential to promote corruption. While there are no legal prohibitions against couples occupying positions of influence, such practices may not align with ethical standards, and they could hinder capable individuals from ascending to leadership positions.

The women's quota system was introduced by the government to enhance women's representation in local authorities. This system reserves 30 percent of the total council positions for women party-list councilors, as per the Zimbabwean constitution's section 277 (4). In Masvingo province, a total of 73 women have been elected to nine local authorities, with the majority of slots going to Zanu-PF members.