ZANU-PF factionalism surfaces at National Heroes Acre during triple burial

Factionalism within ZANU-PF spilled over to the National Heroes Acre on Wednesday after reports emerged that some senior party officials allegedly orchestrated a boycott of the burial of three national heroes to undermine Vice-President Constantino Chiwenga's standing.

Chiwenga, who presided over the burials of Chenhamo Chakezha Chimutingwende, Retired Major-General Solomon Siziba, and Ambassador John Mvundura, did so in the absence of President Emmerson Mnangagwa, who is currently on annual leave.

In his address at the shrine, Chiwenga called for unity and peace within the party, emphasizing the need for transformative politics, tolerance, and forgiveness. He reminded attendees of the core values that shaped the liberation struggle: unity and love.

"Our struggle for independence was founded on the values of unity and love. These are timeless and ageless values which we must pass on to those who come after us," Chiwenga said.

"Despite divergent political views, we should always remember that we are one people who should be guided by the ethic of transformative politics where tolerance, forgiveness, and Ubuntu take precedence in our quest to build a prosperous, secure, and stable Zimbabwe that we will continue to be patriotically proud of."

Chiwenga is widely believed to be a key contender in the party's succession race, with some of his allies pushing for an extension of the presidential term limit from 2028 to 2030. However, President Mnangagwa has consistently stated that he does not intend to extend his term in office beyond 2028.

The factional divisions within ZANU-PF have come to the forefront, with sources alleging that senior party officials, including Harare provincial chairperson Godwills Masimirembwa, are mobilizing supporters to distance themselves from the burial ceremony to damage Chiwenga's reputation. Masimirembwa is a vocal advocate for Mnangagwa's term extension.

Sources within the party revealed that transport arrangements for supporters were deliberately delayed in an effort to prevent large attendance at the burial. Historically, ZANU-PF's commissariat would hold zone-by-zone meetings to encourage participation, but this time, only a letter was dispatched urging attendance, with some supporters claiming that buses were collected late. Insiders suggest that Masimirembwa's camp was actively encouraging this disruption.

"There was no organized mobilisation like before. The buses were delayed, and it's clear Masimirembwa and his team were behind this to sabotage Chiwenga's public appearance," one party insider revealed.

Despite the apparent factional resistance, Chiwenga was met with a spirited reception at the shrine. Tensions flared when the Young Women4ED, a pro-Mnangagwa group, displayed placards supporting the ED2030 agenda. However, the group was quickly outnumbered by other party affiliates, leading to a brief stand-off.

The situation highlights the deepening divisions within ZANU-PF as officials jockey for influence ahead of the 2023 and 2028 elections. The incident also recalls the power struggles that marked the end of former President Robert Mugabe's rule, which was precipitated by his failure to manage succession within the party.

Information Minister Jenfan Muswere responded to the unfolding tensions by issuing a statement asserting that there was nothing criminal about party members expressing their views on the ED2030 agenda. He added that the constitutional process would be followed in any attempts to extend the presidential term limit.

As ZANU-PF's internal rivalries continue to play out in the public domain, the question of who will succeed Mnangagwa remains unresolved, with both Chiwenga's camp and Mnangagwa's allies engaging in strategic maneuvering ahead of the party's future leadership battles.