News / National
Zanu-PF's ruthless purge against team Chiwenga
08 Dec 2024 at 13:51hrs | Views
A fierce internal power struggle is tearing through Zimbabwe's ruling party, Zanu-PF, as suspensions and purges intensify against officials perceived to be opposing the party's push to extend President Emmerson Mnangagwa's presidency beyond 2028. This conflict, which has intensified since the party's October conference in Bulawayo, underscores the deepening fissures within Zanu-PF regarding succession and the controversial "2030 project."
While the party officially endorsed a resolution in October to extend Mnangagwa's term to 2030, the President has publicly stated he will not seek to extend his constitutionally mandated two terms. This apparent contradiction has fueled factionalism within the party, with some accusing key figures of attempting to sideline potential rivals in the race for Mnangagwa's successor. The tension has become especially pronounced as the "2030 project" battles for dominance within the party.
At the heart of the internal conflict is Vice President Constantino Chiwenga, a prominent figure seen as a frontrunner in the succession race. Many believe that Chiwenga's faction is the primary target of the ongoing purges. Those suspected of supporting him are facing accusations of disloyalty and being systematically removed from key positions.
Masvingo province, traditionally seen as a political stronghold for Zanu-PF, has become ground zero for the infighting. Tensions flared when Zanu-PF provincial executive member Simon Muchafa publicly criticized retired army general Engelbert Rugeje, accusing him of backing Chiwenga's ambitions. In a viral audio recording, Muchafa declared that he would not support any presidential candidate from outside Masvingo, signaling his opposition to Chiwenga.
The fallout from Muchafa's comments led to a series of purges within Masvingo, with over 10 provincial members issued with prohibition orders between Tuesday and Friday last week. Youth leader Brighton Mushekwa and Kudakwashe Gopo were among those targeted after they were accused by provincial leaders, including Masvingo provincial affairs minister Ezra Chadzamira, of supporting Chiwenga and taking money to oppose the 2030 project.
Despite Muchafa's own inflammatory remarks, he has not faced any disciplinary action, raising questions about the consistency and fairness of the purge. Mushekwa confirmed that he had received a prohibition order and would be required to appear before a provincial disciplinary committee within 21 days.
The composition of this disciplinary committee has also raised eyebrows, with figures linked to the Chiwenga faction reportedly being sidelined. Among those excluded from the committee are Brighton Mahoya and Virginia Samson, further intensifying suspicions of bias within the purge process.
In other parts of the country, similar actions are being taken. In Chiredzi, individuals such as Israel Lunga, Levy Gumbo, and Felix Bangu have been removed from their positions. Suspensions have also been seen in Harare, where Emmanuel Juta was handed a prohibition order and faces a disciplinary hearing on December 11th.
The situation is rapidly escalating, with Zanu-PF's internal divisions now spilling into public view. Former Masvingo provincial commissar Isaac Makomichi, who was suspended after releasing a recording critical of the 2030 initiative, defended his position. "You should not suspend someone for asking," he said, questioning the legitimacy of the push for a term extension when the President himself had indicated his intention to retire in 2028.
The purge has also extended to Mashonaland East, where provincial minister Aplonia Munzverengi, Uzumba MP Wiriranai Muchemwa, and others associated with the so-called "Hwedza project" are expected to be targeted next.
The ongoing internal strife within Zanu-PF highlights the growing tensions over succession and the push for political control, with the "2030 project" serving as both a rallying cry for some and a symbol of deepening factionalism within the party. The political fallout from these suspensions and purges will likely continue to shape the future of Zanu-PF in the months leading up to the next election.
While the party officially endorsed a resolution in October to extend Mnangagwa's term to 2030, the President has publicly stated he will not seek to extend his constitutionally mandated two terms. This apparent contradiction has fueled factionalism within the party, with some accusing key figures of attempting to sideline potential rivals in the race for Mnangagwa's successor. The tension has become especially pronounced as the "2030 project" battles for dominance within the party.
At the heart of the internal conflict is Vice President Constantino Chiwenga, a prominent figure seen as a frontrunner in the succession race. Many believe that Chiwenga's faction is the primary target of the ongoing purges. Those suspected of supporting him are facing accusations of disloyalty and being systematically removed from key positions.
Masvingo province, traditionally seen as a political stronghold for Zanu-PF, has become ground zero for the infighting. Tensions flared when Zanu-PF provincial executive member Simon Muchafa publicly criticized retired army general Engelbert Rugeje, accusing him of backing Chiwenga's ambitions. In a viral audio recording, Muchafa declared that he would not support any presidential candidate from outside Masvingo, signaling his opposition to Chiwenga.
The fallout from Muchafa's comments led to a series of purges within Masvingo, with over 10 provincial members issued with prohibition orders between Tuesday and Friday last week. Youth leader Brighton Mushekwa and Kudakwashe Gopo were among those targeted after they were accused by provincial leaders, including Masvingo provincial affairs minister Ezra Chadzamira, of supporting Chiwenga and taking money to oppose the 2030 project.
Despite Muchafa's own inflammatory remarks, he has not faced any disciplinary action, raising questions about the consistency and fairness of the purge. Mushekwa confirmed that he had received a prohibition order and would be required to appear before a provincial disciplinary committee within 21 days.
The composition of this disciplinary committee has also raised eyebrows, with figures linked to the Chiwenga faction reportedly being sidelined. Among those excluded from the committee are Brighton Mahoya and Virginia Samson, further intensifying suspicions of bias within the purge process.
In other parts of the country, similar actions are being taken. In Chiredzi, individuals such as Israel Lunga, Levy Gumbo, and Felix Bangu have been removed from their positions. Suspensions have also been seen in Harare, where Emmanuel Juta was handed a prohibition order and faces a disciplinary hearing on December 11th.
The situation is rapidly escalating, with Zanu-PF's internal divisions now spilling into public view. Former Masvingo provincial commissar Isaac Makomichi, who was suspended after releasing a recording critical of the 2030 initiative, defended his position. "You should not suspend someone for asking," he said, questioning the legitimacy of the push for a term extension when the President himself had indicated his intention to retire in 2028.
The purge has also extended to Mashonaland East, where provincial minister Aplonia Munzverengi, Uzumba MP Wiriranai Muchemwa, and others associated with the so-called "Hwedza project" are expected to be targeted next.
The ongoing internal strife within Zanu-PF highlights the growing tensions over succession and the push for political control, with the "2030 project" serving as both a rallying cry for some and a symbol of deepening factionalism within the party. The political fallout from these suspensions and purges will likely continue to shape the future of Zanu-PF in the months leading up to the next election.
Source - online
