Zanu-PF sits on US$10m war chest

The ruling Zanu-PF party is sitting on a financial war chest of nearly US$10 million, according to its latest central committee report presented at the just-ended 22nd National People's Conference held in Mutare.

The report revealed that the party's total revenue currently stands at US$9,819,821.64 and ZWG722,860.97, accumulated through various sources including donations, membership subscriptions, and conference contributions.

Despite not yet receiving its allocation under the Political Parties (Finance) Act, Zanu-PF remains financially robust, buoyed by an extensive fundraising network led by businessman Philip Chiyangwa. The national fundraising committee also includes prominent figures such as James Makamba, Supa Mandiwanzira, Betty Kaseke, John Paradza, Patience Tapomwa, and Scott Sakupwanya.

According to the report, the committee is tasked with mobilising resources to support the party's programmes, pay salaries, and finance congresses, conferences, and restructuring exercises. The funds are also used to cover costs for constitutional meetings including politburo and central committee gatherings, as well as foreign travel and hosting of international delegations.

"The party received Forty Thousand Two Hundred and Sixteen Zimbabwe Gold (ZWG40,216.00) and One Hundred and Twenty Thousand Eight Hundred and Sixty-Nine United States dollars (US$120,869.00) from membership fees and subscriptions to date," the report stated.

Provinces were directed earlier this year through a circular from the Treasurer-General, Advocate Jacob Mudenda, to collect annual membership fees in full from senior structures including politburo, central committee, and provincial executives.

For the year ending September 30, 2025, Zanu-PF reported receiving ZWG361,644.97 and US$9.17 million in donations. Other revenue streams included US$163,595 from the sale of motor vehicles, ZWG321,000 and US$268,690 from conference contributions, and US$95,103.64 from hiring out party tents.

However, the party also incurred significant expenses, paying out US$3,981,987.16 in staff salaries and US$1,741,079.33 in gratuities.

The party has yet to receive its official government grant under the Political Parties (Finance) Act, nor any dividends from its business investments this year, though government has reportedly gazetted the grants.

Meanwhile, the commissariat department revealed that Zanu-PF currently has 81,167 cells and villages nationwide, comprising a membership of 4,058,350 people.

"Recruitment of new members and creation of new cells is a continuous exercise. Provinces are urged to continue mobilising to grow the party's membership," the commissariat report stated.

It further announced that the party had completed its cell and village restructuring programme, paving the way for digitalisation of membership data beginning in September 2025. Equipment procurement has been finalised and training of data capturers is set to commence soon.

The commissariat is also supervising 150 organisations affiliated to Zanu-PF and has instituted a monitoring and evaluation mechanism to ensure transparency in the use of resources provided through the Presidential Empowerment Revolving Fund.

"The party strongly cautions some errant organisations which claim to be affiliates of Zanu-PF when they are not properly registered. Any engagement with affiliates must be based on verified proof of affiliation," the report warned.

The disclosures underscore Zanu-PF's formidable financial muscle and organisational structure as it gears up for future political campaigns and party activities.