ZAPU Revival or ZANU Reinvention? War Vets push for one-party state reset?

As calls for a one-party state gain traction among war veterans and sections of Zimbabwean society, some suggest that such a system could only be viable if cadres from the two liberation movements - ZAPU and ZANU - come together to revive the principles of the Unity Accord. This revival, they argue, would allow former ZAPU members to reclaim influential positions within government and the ruling party.

Concerns have been raised that since the advent of the so-called "new dispensation" under President Emmerson Mnangagwa, many of the foundational principles of the Unity Accord - signed by the late President Robert Mugabe and the late Vice President Joshua Nkomo - have been eroded, particularly from the perspective of ZAPU supporters.

Historically, the Unity Accord guaranteed ZAPU representation in key positions:  
- Vice Presidency (held successively by Joshua Nkomo, Joseph Msika, John Nkomo, Phelekezela Mphoko, and currently Kembo Mohadi)  
- Home Affairs Minister (Dumiso Dabengwa)  
- ZANU PF National Chairmanship (John Nkomo, Simon Khaya Moyo)  
- Speaker of Parliament (John Nkomo, Simon Khaya Moyo, now Jacob Mudenda)  
- Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans Association Chairmanship (formerly held by ex-ZIPRA cadre Winzvi)

In an interview, ex-ZIPRA cadre Max Mkandla argued that with opposition politics in decline, Zimbabwe should consider adopting a one-party state model similar to China and Russia.

"One-party state is not a bad thing if it's implemented for the interests and benefits of all citizens. Go to China and Russia to see how citizens enjoy life under this type of governance," Mkandla said.

He emphasized that reviving the Unity Accord would require equitable representation of ZAPU cadres in leadership roles, especially in Matabeleland.

"Those positions that were majorly for ZAPU must be returned to ZAPU cadres. As we speak, it's only the VP position held by Mohadi that remains. The rest have collapsed. We must revive the accord. ZAPU members must be part of the one-party state to contribute ideas and development for citizens across the country."

Mkandla criticized elections as costly and harmful, claiming they drain national resources and result in loss of life every five years.

"As citizens, we must simply compile names of well-focused and qualified persons from the ZAPU side to be included in the one-party state. These should get ideas of what is needed to develop the country and serve citizens."

He added that partisan politics has damaged Zimbabwe, and a national governance approach focused on citizen welfare would be more effective.

"We can't stick to useless democracy that has failed to serve us for 45 years. We have been voting all these years - and what have we achieved other than losing money and lives?"

Mkandla proposed several names from Matabeleland who could serve in a one-party state government, including Moses Mzila Ndlovu, Lovemore Moyo, Abedinico Bhebhe, Gorden Moyo, Abigale Mupambi, Jonathan Moyo, Paul Siwela, George Mkwananzi, Priscilla Misihairambwi, Joice Mujuru, Vivian Mwashita, Jethro Mkwananzi, Linda Masarira, Jabulani Sibanda, Andrew Ndlovu, Ethan Matibela, and Buster Magwizi.

He called for nationwide workshops to discuss the proposal, arguing that current opposition parties are fragmented and fail to address citizens' needs.

Mkandla's remarks echo recent statements by Abigale Mupambi, who also advocated for a one-party state, saying elections have failed to deliver peace or progress.

She urged opposition figures to join ZANU PF in forming a unified national government, arguing that opposition politics have failed the people and cost the country dearly.