Zanu-PF Harare province in turmoil

ZANU PF's Harare provincial structures have descended into turmoil as factional tensions escalate, with provincial chairperson Godwills Masimirembwa reportedly at the heart of the crisis.

The conflict centers around provincial youth chairperson Emmanuel Mahachi, who faces mounting calls for purging from Masimirembwa's camp amid serious allegations. Sources say Masimirembwa is accused of using his office to target political opponents, intensifying factional divides within the party.

Mahachi, on the other hand, is facing accusations of forming a company allegedly linked to the youth league without approval or consultation from the Provincial Executive Council (PEC). A letter from the youth league's provincial secretary for administration, Miriam Mushamba, addressed to Mahachi, highlighted the breach of agreed protocols.

"This appears contrary to agreed positions from a duly constituted PEC meeting and, as such, clarity and direction are urgently needed to preserve procedural fidelity," the letter states.

Mahachi is also accused of lacking transparency over the rollout of the Presidential Housing Stands Programme in Harare province. The letter demanded a detailed update on the programme's status, expressing growing concern about beneficiary selection and general implementation.

Questions were also raised over the legitimacy of recent co-option processes, with allegations that some appointments violated party constitution and protocols.

"There is growing confusion around the circulation of minutes purporting to originate from the PEC meeting chaired by your office," the letter read.

"In the interest of procedural integrity, clarity on this matter is necessary to address concerns being raised by members and to affirm authenticity of our official records."

The letter further lamented a breakdown in communication within the youth league, revealing that official WhatsApp groups were restricted due to internal disputes. This led to the creation of a parallel platform by the youth league secretary for information, which has reportedly deepened divisions and disrupted unity among members.

When contacted for comment, Mahachi dismissed the allegations, saying he was being unfairly targeted by Masimirembwa's allies.

"The person who wrote the letter is not mandated to do so," Mahachi said. "The one who wrote that letter is being used by someone I know who has an agenda to divide the youth league. So far, we are united as youths though there are people trying to divide us."

Masimirembwa did not respond to calls, and Mushamba was also unreachable for comment.

This is not the first time Masimirembwa has been accused of meddling in youth league affairs. The escalating factionalism comes at a time when President Emmerson Mnangagwa has cautioned party members against the indiscriminate suspension and purging of colleagues. He urged strict adherence to party procedures and stressed the importance of unity across all ZANU PF structures.

As tensions simmer, the future cohesion of ZANU PF's Harare provincial youth wing remains uncertain, with party insiders calling for calm and procedural discipline to restore order.