Zanu PF warns against social media attacks on Mnangagwa

Zanu PF has warned party members against using social media platforms to undermine the party and its leadership, saying disciplinary action will be taken against those who seek to tarnish the image of President Emmerson Mnangagwa.

Speaking to journalists in Harare on Tuesday, Zanu PF National Political Commissar Munyaradzi Machacha said the ruling party would not tolerate efforts to drag its name or that of its First Secretary into disrepute through online attacks and misinformation.

Machacha said no amount of money could buy the standing and reputation that Mnangagwa has built over the years, warning that those responsible for damaging the party's image would face consequences.

He expressed concern over what he described as a growing tendency among some party members to prioritise personal interests and individual loyalties ahead of party ideology and organisational discipline.

"This is a demonstration that quite a number of our cadres may be missing the line, the ideological line and the party line," Machacha said.

"They are driven more by personality cults, perhaps by the love of money, and as a result they are diverting from the core business of the party."

His remarks come amid increasing tensions within sections of the ruling party and growing activity by political activists on social media platforms, where debates around party leadership, government performance and succession issues have intensified in recent months.

Machacha said Zanu PF remained guided by its founding principles and ideology and urged members to focus on advancing the party's programmes rather than engaging in divisive online campaigns.

The comments are likely to be interpreted as part of a broader effort by the ruling party leadership to reassert discipline among its members and supporters as internal political contestation increasingly plays out on social media platforms.

Zanu PF has repeatedly stressed the importance of unity and loyalty to party structures, particularly as the country heads into a period of heightened political activity and debate over proposed constitutional reforms.

Machacha said party members were expected to uphold the values and objectives of the organisation and avoid conduct that could undermine public confidence in the party and its leadership.