Zanu-PF Conference to be dominated by factionalism

A cross-section of political analysts has warned that Zanu-PF's annual conference, set for Mutare this month, will be overshadowed by factional battles rather than addressing the socio-economic crises affecting Zimbabweans.

The run-up to the gathering has already stirred tensions after mining firms around Mutare were compelled to pay a mandatory US$3 000 levy to bankroll the event, a move that drew protests from business operators struggling in the fragile economy.

The conference comes amid growing internal divisions within the ruling party, marked by stormy politburo meetings, leadership reshuffles and intensifying succession manoeuvres. Analysts believe the indaba will serve as another battleground for the fight over President Emmerson Mnangagwa's succession, sidelining issues such as unemployment, corruption, poverty, and poor service delivery.

Political analyst Reuben Mbofana said the event would likely be "a political spectacle" designed to consolidate power within the ruling elite.
"These gatherings have not been about finding real solutions to the country's social and economic challenges, but rather about consolidating power within the ruling elite. President Mnangagwa's allies will push the so-called ED 2030 agenda, while Vice President Constantino Chiwenga's camp resists as part of succession positioning," Mbofana said.

Stephen Chan, professor of world politics at the School of Oriental and African Studies in London, agreed, describing the conference as a power contest.
"It's a power struggle within Zanu-PF. It has nothing to do with ordinary citizens, especially those at the bottom and how to uplift them," Chan said.

Analyst Masimba Mavaza added that internal rivalries were overshadowing urgent economic challenges, with party spokesperson Christopher Mutsvangwa's recent veiled attack on Chiwenga further inflaming tensions.

Gideon Chitanga, a political commentator, said the unresolved succession question remained the "elephant in the room."
"Although Mnangagwa has hinted at stepping down in 2028, there is no clarity on how power will transition. If this issue is not addressed, instability will persist," he said.

Mnangagwa's decision last week to remove Obert Mpofu as secretary-general and replace him with Speaker of Parliament Jacob Mudenda was widely interpreted as part of succession manoeuvring.

Analysts agree that without addressing these divisions, the Mutare conference will likely mirror past Zanu-PF gatherings—rituals of self-preservation rather than genuine policy reform.