News / National
Factionalism rocks Zanu-PF's in Bulawayo
3 hrs ago | Views
The Zanu-PF cell verification programme in Bulawayo has been marred by factionalism and infighting within the ruling party, sources have revealed. The exercise, which is essential for party organisation, has been delayed twice under unclear circumstances, with insiders attributing the setbacks to internal party divisions.
Zanu-PF is currently divided along two main factions: one loyal to President Emmerson Mnangagwa and the other supporting his deputy, Constantino Chiwenga, who is considered a leading figure in the party's succession race. Tensions have intensified following reports that Mnangagwa's loyalists are pushing for an extension of his term by two years, from 2028 to 2030, despite the President's repeated declarations that he intends to step down in 2028 as per the Constitution.
These unresolved tensions have impacted party activities, with the cell verification exercise being one of the casualties. Originally scheduled for February 15, the programme was first rescheduled to Sunday, February 23. However, it was once again postponed. A source close to the proceedings confirmed that the exercise would not take place as planned, and that it had been pushed to March, though no official explanation was given.
"The situation remains tense. We were supposed to have cell verification on Sunday, but for the second time, it was postponed to March," the source said. "Factionalism is clearly at play here."
Another insider confirmed that the new dates for the programme are set for March 1 and 2.
In response, Zanu-PF Bulawayo province spokesperson Archibold Chiponda dismissed claims that factionalism was responsible for the delays, attributing the postponements to scheduling conflicts with other significant events. "First, there was a youth inter-district event, then a national war veterans fund lunch, and last week, there were National Youth Day commemorations," Chiponda explained. "The programme was postponed for logistical reasons, not because of factionalism. We are an organised organisation and do not engage in strategic ambiguity."
Despite the official statements, the delays have raised concerns about the ongoing factional strife within Zanu-PF, which has plagued the party for years. The factional infighting traces its roots to the era of former President Robert Mugabe, whose failure to manage succession issues ultimately led to his downfall in a military coup in November 2017. The coup, led by Chiwenga, paved the way for Mnangagwa to take power.
As the cell verification programme is rescheduled for early March, it remains unclear whether the internal tensions within Zanu-PF will continue to disrupt the party's activities in the lead-up to crucial elections.
Zanu-PF is currently divided along two main factions: one loyal to President Emmerson Mnangagwa and the other supporting his deputy, Constantino Chiwenga, who is considered a leading figure in the party's succession race. Tensions have intensified following reports that Mnangagwa's loyalists are pushing for an extension of his term by two years, from 2028 to 2030, despite the President's repeated declarations that he intends to step down in 2028 as per the Constitution.
These unresolved tensions have impacted party activities, with the cell verification exercise being one of the casualties. Originally scheduled for February 15, the programme was first rescheduled to Sunday, February 23. However, it was once again postponed. A source close to the proceedings confirmed that the exercise would not take place as planned, and that it had been pushed to March, though no official explanation was given.
"The situation remains tense. We were supposed to have cell verification on Sunday, but for the second time, it was postponed to March," the source said. "Factionalism is clearly at play here."
Another insider confirmed that the new dates for the programme are set for March 1 and 2.
In response, Zanu-PF Bulawayo province spokesperson Archibold Chiponda dismissed claims that factionalism was responsible for the delays, attributing the postponements to scheduling conflicts with other significant events. "First, there was a youth inter-district event, then a national war veterans fund lunch, and last week, there were National Youth Day commemorations," Chiponda explained. "The programme was postponed for logistical reasons, not because of factionalism. We are an organised organisation and do not engage in strategic ambiguity."
Despite the official statements, the delays have raised concerns about the ongoing factional strife within Zanu-PF, which has plagued the party for years. The factional infighting traces its roots to the era of former President Robert Mugabe, whose failure to manage succession issues ultimately led to his downfall in a military coup in November 2017. The coup, led by Chiwenga, paved the way for Mnangagwa to take power.
As the cell verification programme is rescheduled for early March, it remains unclear whether the internal tensions within Zanu-PF will continue to disrupt the party's activities in the lead-up to crucial elections.
Source - newsday
