Fuzwayo dismisses Zanu-PF 'agent' claims

Matabeleland-based political activist Mbuso Fuzwayo, the secretary-general of pressure group Ibhetshu Likazulu, has broken his silence over his controversial Constitutional Court application challenging President Emmerson Mnangagwa's alleged term-extension bid - vowing that he will "never ever" be a Zanu-PF agent under any circumstances.

Fuzwayo's high-profile legal move, which seeks direct access to the Constitutional Court (ConCourt), has sparked fierce debate and allegations that it may be a collusive strategy orchestrated by elements linked to Zanu-PF to secure a judicial precedent legitimising Mnangagwa's continued stay in power beyond 2028 - when his second and final term constitutionally expires.

Sources quoted in recent media reports have claimed that the application is designed to be dismissed deliberately to pave the way for an eventual term extension to 2030.

But in a candid interview, Fuzwayo strongly denied the allegations, insisting that his organisation's goal is to defend the Constitution and prevent an illegal extension of Mnangagwa's rule.

"Those who know me know that I am a bona fide grassroots activist who acts out of conscience, conviction and a deep desire to defend the poor people's rights, freedom and dignity," Fuzwayo said.

"I have been in this struggle for 25 years. Unlike many in civil society and the opposition, I don't need donors to fight for the people. I work with communities with or without money."

He revealed that he only had "US$10" in his pocket at the time of the interview, dismissing social media claims that he was paid to file the court application.

"People say I was paid, which is false. I have nothing to my name worth talking about, but I fight for ordinary people, particularly those in Matabeleland and Midlands. Their struggle is part of the national struggle," he said.

The controversy has already claimed one casualty within Ibhetshu Likazulu - activist Gifford Sibanda, who resigned in protest, accusing Fuzwayo of allowing the organisation to be used to advance Zanu-PF's political interests.

Fuzwayo admitted that internal divisions deepened after the draft court papers were leaked on social media, fuelling speculation about the group's motives.

"We discussed the plan to challenge Mnangagwa's term extension in court, and agreed to proceed. Then someone leaked the draft, which caused confusion," he explained.

"That's when lawyers and journalists - including Advocate Thabani Mpofu - started spreading conspiracy theories that we were doing this for Zanu-PF. That's not true."

He accused some of his critics of hypocrisy, claiming that those now attacking him have previously worked with factions of Zanu-PF.

"I have never aided or abetted Zanu-PF in any way, shape or form in my life. Some of these loud people have. I will never do that," he said.

Fuzwayo said he initially agreed with Sibanda's position not to proceed with the case after the leak but later changed his mind, believing the application was "solid and had merit."

"Even if the courts are sometimes partisan, I thought there was still a chance for a positive judgment. We have always used multiple strategies - lobbying, protests, and legal action - to fight for justice," he said.

He dismissed as "ridiculous" the suggestion that he benefitted from a US$3 million slush fund, saying he survives through community support.

"Last week, I was in Tsholotsho with only R10 in my pocket, doing civic work. I rely on the people's support. If anyone continues lying about me, I'll take them to court for defamation," he warned.

Explaining Ibhetshu Likazulu's broader mission, Fuzwayo said the organisation's activism is rooted in opposing dictatorship and state repression - whether under Robert Mugabe or Mnangagwa.

"We fought Mugabe for 37 years over bad governance and human rights abuses. We can't now support the same thing under Mnangagwa. Not us. Maybe others will, but we won't. We're not in this for positions or money," he said.

"Zanu-PF has failed. It can't deliver democracy, justice or equality. Mnangagwa's attempt to extend his rule is undesirable and unconstitutional. Why would we help him do that?"

Fuzwayo said the unresolved wounds of Gukurahundi, which he described as "a genocide against innocent civilians," continue to define his activism.

"We can't support people who committed genocide against their own citizens. These are the issues we are fighting to address so that the country can move forward," he said.

Responding to questions about his lawyer Nqobani Sithole, who also represents self-proclaimed CCC secretary-general Sengezo Tshabangu, Fuzwayo said their professional relationship does not imply political alignment.

"I know him, yes, but I don't influence his political or personal decisions," he said.

Fuzwayo also took aim at Advocate Mpofu, accusing him of spreading falsehoods and being disconnected from real activism.

"Mpofu must not smear us. What has he done for the people? He just makes money in Harare representing anyone who comes his way. I've never seen him on the ground," Fuzwayo charged.

"He and others think the struggle is on Twitter and Facebook, but real activism happens in communities - townships, villages - where people are suffering daily."

Fuzwayo's application targets Zanu-PF's "Resolution 1 of 2024," which proposes extending Mnangagwa's term to 2030. He argues the move violates the Constitution, which bars retroactive extensions of term limits for sitting presidents unless approved through Parliament and a referendum.

Respondents in the case include Zanu-PF, Justice Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi, Speaker of Parliament Jacob Mudenda, Attorney-General Virginia Mabiza, and President Mnangagwa.

If the ConCourt accepts the matter, it could become a landmark test case on constitutionalism, term limits, and the balance of power in Zimbabwe's post-Mugabe political landscape.