Factional wars rock Zanu-PF in Mashonaland West

Infighting within Zanu-PF continues to dog Mashonaland West province, with fresh turmoil erupting following controversial changes to the provincial executive allegedly imposed by chairperson Mary Mliswa-Chikoka.

The reshuffle, carried out yesterday and expected to be endorsed by the provincial coordinating committee (PCC), has been condemned by some party members as unconstitutional, punitive and politically motivated, exposing widening cracks within the ruling party ahead of its highly anticipated elective congress next year.

The latest developments highlight intensifying factional battles within Zanu-PF's provincial structures, where control of key positions is increasingly viewed as critical in positioning ahead of the 2027 congress. Mashonaland West has emerged as a major flashpoint, with unresolved allegations of financial mismanagement and internal disciplinary disputes intersecting with succession manoeuvres.

At the centre of the storm is Misheck Nyarubero, formerly the provincial secretary for administration, who was demoted to the largely ceremonial position of deputy secretary for gender.

Sources within the province said the move triggered outrage among some party members, who described it as a calculated attempt to neutralise a vocal internal critic.

Nyarubero has been accused of dereliction of duty, including allegedly failing to submit reports to the party's national headquarters and tampering with official documents. However, insiders dispute the allegations, insisting they are a smokescreen designed to justify a politically expedient purge.

Under the reshuffle, Gilbert Chibayamagora was elevated from secretary for transport and welfare to the powerful post of provincial secretary for administration. Gift Dondo was moved from indigenisation to replace Chibayamagora, while veteran politician Tommy Mwanza was parachuted into the role of secretary for legal affairs.

However, it is Nyarubero's demotion that has struck a raw nerve within the party.

Sources said Nyarubero immediately pushed back, accusing Mliswa-Chikoka of targeting him for openly questioning her leadership style and raising concerns over the handling of provincial finances. He is reportedly demanding a formal hearing and has warned that he is prepared to "spill the beans" on what he alleges are serious governance and accountability failures within the provincial leadership.

The developments revive unresolved tensions dating back to November last year, when Zanu-PF secretary-general Jacob Mudenda appointed a board of inquiry to investigate allegations of embezzlement of party funds and staff incompetence in Mashonaland West.

The inquiry was launched amid mounting pressure from party structures concerned about financial opacity and growing indiscipline at provincial level. To date, the findings have not been made public, fuelling suspicions that internal disciplinary processes are being selectively weaponised to settle factional scores.

"This is nothing but a witch hunt against those perceived to be resisting the chairperson," said one senior party source.

"How can Nyarubero be accused of failing to submit provincial reports to conference when that responsibility rests squarely with the provincial chairperson?" the source added.

Another insider warned that the reshuffle set a dangerous precedent by sidelining dissenting voices instead of addressing substantive governance concerns.

Nyarubero declined to comment in detail, saying he would pursue internal remedies.

"As you are aware, we are not allowed to speak to the media. All I can say is that I will appeal," he said.

Addressing a Zanu-PF provincial coordinating committee meeting on Saturday, Mliswa-Chikoka confirmed the changes, saying some members of the provincial executive committee had lost their positions.

"May I also take this opportunity to inform members that we have two members elevated and one demoted within the provincial executive committee," she said.

The Mashonaland West saga mirrors similar power struggles unfolding in several provinces, as rival factions jostle for influence ahead of next year's congress, which will usher in a new party leadership for the next five years.