Plot to block Sanyatwe's rise in ZANU-PF exposed, amid allegations of political maneuvering

HARARE - ZANU-PF chairperson Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri has been accused of orchestrating a plan to block Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture Minister Anseleem Sanyatwe's ascension to the party's central committee, amid allegations of vote-buying and factional power struggles in Manicaland.

Sources within the ruling party claim Muchinguri-Kashiri is pushing for the co-option of MenBelivED founder Justice Matsatsire into the central committee, a move that would sideline Sanyatwe - formerly Zimbabwe National Army commander - from ZANU-PF's top decision-making body outside congress. Sanyatwe is widely seen as a close ally of Vice President Constantino Chiwenga, who has openly opposed efforts to extend President Emmerson Mnangagwa's term to 2030.

Muchinguri-Kashiri is reportedly concerned that Sanyatwe's growing influence since entering civilian politics could threaten her dominance in Manicaland, where she has long been regarded as the party's provincial power broker.

According to insiders, a meeting was held on November 4 at ZANU-PF headquarters involving Muchinguri-Kashiri, party commissar Munyaradzi Machacha, and secretary for security Lovemore Matutu. The trio allegedly resolved to elevate Matsatsire while blocking Sanyatwe's entry into the central committee. Reports suggest that provincial members are being offered US$500 each to support Matsatsire's nomination and oppose Sanyatwe's inclusion.

Matsatsire, a vocal supporter of Mnangagwa's term extension through his MenBelivED campaign, is said to be closely aligned with Muchinguri-Kashiri and controversial businessman Kudakwashe Tagwirei. Tagwirei was controversially drafted into the central committee during last month's ZANU-PF conference in Mutare and is believed to be funding efforts to block Chiwenga's allies from rising within the party.

Observers say Sanyatwe's transition from military leadership to cabinet minister has elevated his political profile, making him a perceived threat to Muchinguri-Kashiri's influence. His ties to Chiwenga - who has been vocal against corruption and the politicisation of Vision 2030 - have further complicated internal dynamics.

At the Mutare conference, Chiwenga condemned the personalisation of the 2030 agenda and criticised the role of "Zvigananda" - a term he coined to describe politically connected businessmen accused of exploiting state resources through inflated tenders.

The unfolding power struggle highlights deepening factionalism within ZANU-PF, as rival camps position themselves ahead of the next electoral cycle and potential succession battles.