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Mnangagwa cracks whip
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President Emmerson Mnangagwa has vowed to take stern action against Zanu-PF members responsible for what he described as "random and illegal" suspensions of fellow party members, warning that such actions threaten to divide the ruling party ahead of crucial provincial elections set for 2026.
The strong rebuke came during a Zanu-PF politburo meeting held last week, where Mnangagwa reportedly labelled the perpetrators as "enemies of the party" for undermining unity and violating due process.
According to highly placed party sources who spoke on condition of anonymity, Mnangagwa reversed the controversial suspension of Shadreck Mashayamombe by the Harare provincial leadership, led by Godwills Masimirembwa, and called for a full investigation into the matter.
"President Mnangagwa demanded investigations into who is behind the expulsions, some of which were clearly not done according to party procedures," a politburo insider told NewsDay. "He warned that he will crack the whip on those responsible."
Mashayamombe, a cell-level member of the party, was suspended without first being charged at the branch level, as required by the Zanu-PF constitution. Sources claim that Masimirembwa viewed him as a political threat ahead of the upcoming provincial elections, prompting the rushed suspension.
Mnangagwa reportedly said Mashayamombe had "added value" to the party and was a victim of "rumour-mongering individuals." Attempts to reach Masimirembwa for comment were unsuccessful.
The president also overturned the expulsion of two other party members in Masvingo, further underlining his push for unity and proper disciplinary processes.
Addressing the media following the politburo meeting, Zanu-PF national spokesperson Christopher Mutsvangwa confirmed the President's hard stance on the issue.
"President Mnangagwa was very stern on the expulsion of party members and warned that such acts could destroy the party. He emphasised that Zanu-PF must remain united," Mutsvangwa said.
He added that Mnangagwa had made it clear that the revolutionary party must be "rooted in the people" and guided by the principle of "leaving no one and no place behind."
Rather than punitive expulsions, the party leadership, under Mnangagwa's directive, is now favouring internal reprimands and dialogue to resolve disputes - a reflection of the President's leadership style, which aims to heal divisions and strengthen party cohesion.
The internal rifts come at a critical time for Zanu-PF, which is preparing for restructuring and provincial elections next year. Analysts say Mnangagwa's intervention signals his intent to maintain control and unity within the party ranks as it gears up for future national challenges.
The strong rebuke came during a Zanu-PF politburo meeting held last week, where Mnangagwa reportedly labelled the perpetrators as "enemies of the party" for undermining unity and violating due process.
According to highly placed party sources who spoke on condition of anonymity, Mnangagwa reversed the controversial suspension of Shadreck Mashayamombe by the Harare provincial leadership, led by Godwills Masimirembwa, and called for a full investigation into the matter.
"President Mnangagwa demanded investigations into who is behind the expulsions, some of which were clearly not done according to party procedures," a politburo insider told NewsDay. "He warned that he will crack the whip on those responsible."
Mashayamombe, a cell-level member of the party, was suspended without first being charged at the branch level, as required by the Zanu-PF constitution. Sources claim that Masimirembwa viewed him as a political threat ahead of the upcoming provincial elections, prompting the rushed suspension.
Mnangagwa reportedly said Mashayamombe had "added value" to the party and was a victim of "rumour-mongering individuals." Attempts to reach Masimirembwa for comment were unsuccessful.
The president also overturned the expulsion of two other party members in Masvingo, further underlining his push for unity and proper disciplinary processes.
Addressing the media following the politburo meeting, Zanu-PF national spokesperson Christopher Mutsvangwa confirmed the President's hard stance on the issue.
"President Mnangagwa was very stern on the expulsion of party members and warned that such acts could destroy the party. He emphasised that Zanu-PF must remain united," Mutsvangwa said.
He added that Mnangagwa had made it clear that the revolutionary party must be "rooted in the people" and guided by the principle of "leaving no one and no place behind."
Rather than punitive expulsions, the party leadership, under Mnangagwa's directive, is now favouring internal reprimands and dialogue to resolve disputes - a reflection of the President's leadership style, which aims to heal divisions and strengthen party cohesion.
The internal rifts come at a critical time for Zanu-PF, which is preparing for restructuring and provincial elections next year. Analysts say Mnangagwa's intervention signals his intent to maintain control and unity within the party ranks as it gears up for future national challenges.
Source - newsday
