Axe hangs over 3 Zanu-PF Masvingo DCC Chairpersons

Tensions are escalating within Zanu-PF Masvingo Province as three District Coordinating Committee (DCC) chairpersons face possible suspension, following disciplinary action taken against Chivi DCC chairperson Samuel Magonde.

The move signals a broader attempt by the provincial leadership to stamp out factionalism and reinforce unity within the ruling party's structures ahead of 2026's anticipated political season.

Those reportedly under scrutiny are Zaka DCC chairperson Clemence Chiduwa, Masvingo District chair Tawanda Dube, and Bikita's Chamunorwa Taruona.

Zanu-PF Masvingo Provincial Chairperson Robson Mavhenyengwa confirmed Magonde's suspension but dismissed claims of wider disciplinary action.

"Yes, Magonde was issued with a prohibition order - it's an internal disciplinary measure following some in-house cases of indiscipline. We only have that case; there are no other suspensions in the said districts," Mavhenyengwa said.

However, party insiders told TellZim News that the suspensions stem from allegations that the four DCC chairpersons travelled to Zanu-PF headquarters in Harare to raise complaints about recent Central Committee co-options in Chivi and Bikita without provincial authorization.

The move reportedly angered the provincial executive, which viewed it as a breach of party protocol and a sign of internal defiance.

According to sources, the DCC leaders were allegedly promised vehicles similar to those given to Central Committee members by businessmen Kudakwashe Tagwirei and Paul Tungwarara, but their requests were turned down, further straining relations with the provincial hierarchy.

"They went to complain about the co-options, but were told it was against procedure to bypass the province. They were also expecting vehicles, which didn't happen. This infuriated Mavhenyengwa and his team," a source said.

During a Provincial Executive Committee meeting held at Masvingo Polytechnic on October 31, Mavhenyengwa issued a stern warning against factionalism, saying some DCC leaders were now forming camps and groupings within the party.

"Previously, I thought the party was united, but I'm now seeing divisions and groupings emerging. There are no pending elections, so there is no need for camps or factional alignments," he said.

He urged the DCC chairpersons to emulate his working relationship with Provincial Affairs Minister Ezra Chadzamira, despite having once competed for the chairmanship.

"I contested the Minister, but now we are one. When he organizes a programme, he notifies me; when I do mine, I notify him. That is how it should be," he said.

Mavhenyengwa reminded the officials that party positions belong to Zanu-PF, not individuals.

"You are DCC chairpersons for everyone, not for individuals. Stop saying, ‘I belong to so and so.' Be DCCs for the people, not to divide them," he warned, adding in Shona, "Ndiri kungorova bembera" - loosely translated as "I'm just firing warning shots."

He commended Chiredzi district for overcoming past internal divisions and called on members to avoid taking party rivalries personally.

"Chiredzi used to have serious divisions, but they are now united. Political issues should not be taken to heart - they will only stress you," he said.

Zanu-PF continues to grapple with underlying factional tensions, with reports of emerging camps aligned to President Emmerson Mnangagwa and Vice President Constantino Chiwenga. Party insiders say the battle lines are increasingly drawn around Mnangagwa's possible bid to extend his rule beyond 2028, when his constitutional term is set to expire.