Musengezi quits Zanu-PF, launches new political party

Zanu-PF activist and President Emmerson Mnangagwa's legitimacy challenger, Sybeth Musengezi, has dumped the ruling party and announced the formation of his own political outfit, Suthisa Ilizwe–Gutsaruzhinji (SI-G).

Musengezi rose to prominence after mounting a legal challenge against Mnangagwa's leadership of Zanu-PF, arguing in court that the President had not been properly elected to the party's top post in 2017.

In a letter addressed to Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) chairperson Justice Priscilla Chigumba, Musengezi formally notified the electoral body of the establishment of his new party, signing off as "President and Patriot in Command" of SI-G.

The letter, dated January 16, 2026, reads in part:

"We hereby notify the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission of the establishment of our new political party, Suthisa Ilizwe–Gutsaruzhinji (SI-G).

"In line with the requirements of the Electoral Act, we submit this notification and request guidance on the necessary procedures for compliance.

"We also request to be added to the database of political parties in Zimbabwe so that we receive timely information and invitations to participate in elections when they arise. We are prepared to provide all required documentation, including our constitution and leadership details."

Musengezi said only party structures authorised by the national leadership would be recognised, signalling an intention to tightly control the new movement's organisational framework.

Zimbabwe is expected to hold its next harmonised elections in 2028, and the launch of SI-G adds to an already crowded and fragmented political landscape ahead of the polls.