Battle for Zanu-PF Central Committee slot rages on

The contest to fill the Zanu-PF Chivi District Central Committee (CC) vacancy, previously held by the late Brigadier General Elasto Madzingira, is far from settled, as a petition is reportedly being prepared to challenge Mathias Tongofa's recent endorsement.

Tongofa was endorsed during a Provincial Coordinating Committee (PCC) meeting at Masvingo Poly last Friday, and his name has been forwarded to the Politburo for confirmation to fill the post vacant since 2024.

Sources say members of the District Coordinating Committee and ward executive members are signing a petition expected to be sent to the Politburo on Thursday.

The dispute over the Chivi CC seat dates back to late 2025, when Tongofa and Rtd Major Clifford Mumbengegwi contested the vacancy. Mumbengegwi initially emerged victorious in a district election, but the provincial leadership dismissed the outcome as factional, a move that cost District Coordinating Committee chairperson Samuel Magonde his position.

Tongofa's name was later forwarded to the Politburo, but during a Central Committee meeting in December 2025, Vice President Rtd General Chiwenga reportedly ejected him, saying the Chivi issue remained unresolved.

Provincial leadership subsequently endorsed Tongofa at the latest PCC meeting, with only two objections, according to Chairman Senator Rabson Mavhenyengwa. He dismissed allegations that the process was a "one-man election," stating it was intended to gauge provincial sentiment.

"We held an open election where we asked over 200 members to endorse Tongofa, and only two people voted against the motion. The majority prevailed, and Tongofa's name was recommended," Mavhenyengwa said.

He added that the 2025 election that had favored Mumbengegwi was a kangaroo meeting, lacking provincial endorsement, and thus could not be recognized.

However, some party members expressed concerns over the transparency of the endorsement process. Speaking on condition of anonymity, one member claimed the public voting system was intimidating and suggested that internal maneuvering could favor Hwezhaz (Moses Maoneke MP, Chivi Central) if Tongofa is elevated. The allegations could not be independently verified.

Tongofa said he was unaware of any petition but suspected that certain individuals might be behind it if it exists. He added that he is awaiting final confirmation from the Politburo before assuming the CC position.

Mumbengegwi also said he was unaware of a petition but expressed surprise at the conduct of last Friday's PCC election.

The Chivi CC dispute highlights ongoing factional tensions within Zanu-PF at both district and provincial levels, with final confirmation from the Politburo expected to settle the matter.