By Political Reporter- The ruling Zanu PF party has dismissed 10 members from its Harare provincial structures over allegations of promoting factionalism.
The ousted members include Provincial Political Commissar Kudakwashe Damson, District Coordinating Committee (DCC) Chairman Godwin Gomwe, and several Youth League officials: Deputy Secretary for Lands and Agriculture Edson Ringwa, Deputy Secretary for Science and Technology Charles Matsika, Secretary for Administration Victor Manungo, Deputy Secretary for Information and Publicity Denzel Romol, Secretary for Economic Development and Empowerment Lameck Chimanyiwa, and Deputy Secretary for Science and Technology Blessing Kambumu.
Also suspended are DCC 2 Secretary for Gender and Culture Karen Maingahama and DCC 2 Secretary for Economic Affairs Spencer Mutero.
Zanu PF Harare Provincial Vice Chairman Ephraim Fundukwa issued a stern warning to party members against engaging in indiscipline, although he did not provide specifics on what constitutes unacceptable conduct.
While the official charges cite factionalism, sources within the party suggest the expulsions are linked to a broader power struggle between President Emmerson Mnangagwa and Vice President Constantino Chiwenga.
The dismissed cadres are alleged to have publicly criticized Chiwenga, further fueling the rift between the two leaders.
Tensions between Mnangagwa and Chiwenga have been simmering since the 2017 military coup that ousted Robert Mugabe and paved the way for Mnangagwa’s presidency.
Chiwenga, a key architect of the coup and then commander of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces, is expected to wield considerable influence in Mnangagwa’s government.
However, cracks in their alliance soon emerged as both men began positioning themselves as contenders for the ultimate control of the party and the state.
The rivalry has played out subtly over the years, with Chiwenga often leveraging his military ties and backing from certain factions within Zanu PF to challenge Mnangagwa’s authority.
In contrast, Mnangagwa has consolidated his power by sidelining Chiwenga loyalists, reshuffling the military leadership, and deploying his allies to key party and state positions.
The factional battles have spilled into public view on several occasions, with rumors of coups, poisoning attempts, and fierce competition for control over party structures.
The latest dismissals appear to be Mnangagwa’s strategic attempt to weaken Chiwenga’s influence in Harare, a key province in Zanu PF’s internal power matrix.
Observers believe these internal squabbles risk destabilizing the party ahead of upcoming congresses and elections.