'TopSoup4ED' sparks uproar within 4ED Movement

A newly formed group calling itself TopSoup4ED has ignited controversy across Zimbabwe's political and civic circles amid questions about its purpose, leadership, and links to other "4ED" affiliates aligned with the ruling Zanu-PF party.

The group, which describes itself as a female-led initiative promoting national development through entrepreneurship, social empowerment, and youth mobilisation, claims to be inspired by President Emmerson Mnangagwa's Vision 2030. But its emergence has divided opinion - with supporters praising it as a creative effort to engage young women, while critics accuse it of trivialising empowerment and exploiting women for political gain.

In a statement, TopSoup4ED said its mission is to "celebrate national achievements" and inspire young Zimbabweans to embrace patriotism and self-reliance. Members, often seen wearing branded 4ED apparel, say the group blends fashion, confidence, and civic participation to reach young digital audiences.

However, the group has faced strong pushback from within the broader 4ED family. Updates4ED, another affiliate organisation, issued a strongly worded statement condemning TopSoup4ED for "objectifying women" and "reducing empowerment to party slogans."

"True empowerment is not about branding or publicity stunts," the statement read. "It is about creating meaningful opportunities for women through education, leadership and economic inclusion. Zimbabwean women deserve genuine empowerment - not exploitation dressed in party colours."

Updates4ED called for the immediate disbanding of TopSoup4ED, saying its approach contradicted national values and undermined the spirit of equality promoted in the government's development agenda.

TopSoup4ED, however, has refused to back down, insisting that no other affiliate has authority to terminate its activities. In a rebuttal, the group said it was founded on "self-respect, dignity, and positive representation," rejecting allegations of immorality or manipulation.

The public spat marks a rare clash within the expanding 4ED ecosystem - a loose network of pro-government organisations such as Young Women4ED, Journalists4ED, Teachers4ED, MenBelievED and Pastors4ED.

Political analysts say the proliferation of these groups reflects a wider trend of "political branding" that blurs the line between civic engagement and partisan mobilisation.

"Many of these formations claim to promote economic development, but their coordination and real impact remain unclear," one analyst observed. "The danger is that they become more about political visibility than community value."

On social media, reaction to TopSoup4ED has been swift and scathing. Opposition politician and lawyer Fadzayi Mahere questioned the movement's credibility, writing: "What is TopSoup4ED? Is that what the party of Herbert Chitepo, Joshua Nkomo and George Silundika has become?"

Efforts to obtain official comment from Zanu-PF were unsuccessful, but insiders acknowledged growing unease about unsanctioned affiliates using the "4ED" name without coordination.

"Everyone wants to associate with the ED brand, but there must be proper organisation," a senior party official said on condition of anonymity. "Otherwise, it becomes chaotic and risks misrepresenting the party's vision."

Formed in late October, TopSoup4ED claims its name symbolises "the best of the best" in supporting national transformation. Whether it becomes a legitimate civic partner or fades as another short-lived political trend remains to be seen - but for now, the group has stirred a heated debate about the meaning of empowerment and loyalty in Zimbabwe's political culture.