Zanu-PF cell verification attendance plummets

The ruling Zanu-PF party is facing growing signs of waning popularity in Mashonaland West, with low turnout reported in several districts during an ongoing cell verification exercise - a key process ahead of central committee co-option elections.

The party is currently conducting the exercise in Makonde, Hurungwe, and Sanyati districts. However, internal divisions, unresolved disputes from the 2023 elections, and poor mobilisation have significantly slowed progress, raising concerns about Zanu-PF's grassroots support in what was once a stronghold during the late Robert Mugabe's era.

In Sanyati, the verification is being conducted in preparation for the replacement of Blessed Geza, who was expelled for allegedly calling for President Emmerson Mnangagwa's ouster. The race to fill his post features prominent figures, including Mines Deputy Minister Polite Kambamura, businessman Jimaya Muduvuri, and Kudakwashe Nduya.

In Hurungwe, fierce rivalry has emerged between Reuben Marumahoko and former Higher Education Deputy Minister Ability Gandawa to replace incarcerated former deputy Finance Minister Terrence Mukupe.

Makonde district will see Phineas Makumbe, Tommy Mwanza, Simba Ziyambi, and Locadia Gwati vying to take over from Kindness Paradza, who now serves as a commissioner at the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission.

However, no co-option will occur in Chinhoyi to replace Mike Chimombe, who is currently in remand prison facing criminal charges.

The verification process has been marred by alarmingly low attendance in several areas. According to a letter seen by NewsDay, Mashonaland West provincial chairperson Mary Mliswa-Chikoka expressed concern over the poor turnout and internal disputes hampering the exercise.

"Elsewhere, we noted low attendance, which indicates either poor communication or poor planning. In both cases, the work will be redone to ensure no one is left out," Mliswa-Chikoka wrote.

She also cited unresolved tensions with sitting MPs as a key factor behind the absences. "This is unfortunate, but let it be clear that this process is about the party and its structures; therefore, it must proceed."

Mliswa-Chikoka further rebuked party leaders in Chegutu district for what she described as sabotage.

"Worse still, some attempted to incite disunity and rebellion against this vital exercise. Let this be a clear warning to the Chegutu administrative leadership that this behaviour is unacceptable and will not be tolerated at all," she said.

Insiders revealed that some areas, including Bumi Hills, recorded zero turnout, while Cheuchi in Mhangura had only eight attendees. The highest turnout was in Ward 4, Chinhoyi, where 550 people showed up.

The low engagement levels could signal a significant decline in Zanu-PF's support base in the province, once a bedrock of loyalty under Mugabe before his ouster in the 2017 military-assisted transition.