The escalating factionalism within Zimbabwe’s ruling ZANU-PF party has reached a boiling point, with the suspension of a Masvingo-based councillor over his refusal to endorse the controversial slogan, “2030 VaMnangagwa Vanenge Vachipo” (Mnangagwa Will Rule Till 2030).
Brighton Mushekwa, a ZANU-PF councillor for Ward 12 in Bikita, was verbally expelled from his position by the party’s deputy secretary for youth affairs, John Paradza. This follows allegations that Mushekwa opposed the slogan and was aligned with Vice President Constantino Chiwenga’s faction, which is reportedly angling for leadership beyond 2028.
The slogan, which originated in Masvingo Province, has been a source of division in ZANU-PF, with party members claiming it has not been approved by the Central Committee, the party’s highest decision-making body. Despite this, provincial leaders have been enforcing its adoption, threatening dissenters with expulsion.
Councillor Denies Factional Ties
Mushekwa denies any allegiance to Chiwenga’s camp, maintaining that he is a constitutionalist who supports the sitting president, Emmerson Mnangagwa. “I don’t belong to any faction. I support the current president and the party constitution, which is the guiding document for all members,” Mushekwa told TellZim News.
He also argued that no one has the mandate to force members to chant a slogan that has not received formal approval. “The party constitution says the Central Committee must approve all slogans. ‘2030 VaMnangagwa Vanenge Vachipo’ is not part of our constitution. Forcing members to chant it is an abuse of power,” he said.
Mushekwa’s alleged verbal expulsion occurred during a District Coordinating Committee (DCC) meeting in Bikita after complaints that he was opposing the slogan. However, ZANU-PF Masvingo Provincial Spokesperson Pepukai Chiwewe dismissed the expulsion as invalid, stating that due process had not been followed.
“There are protocols for suspending or expelling a member, including hearings from district to national levels. If these were not followed, then the expulsion is not valid,” Chiwewe said.
Factional Tensions and Allegations of Corruption
The controversy comes amid growing tensions between factions loyal to Mnangagwa and those aligned with Chiwenga. Recently, the vice president publicly declared that corruption has destroyed Zimbabwe, a statement widely interpreted as a veiled attack on Mnangagwa’s leadership.
Masvingo Province has become a hotbed of factional battles, with local leaders reportedly adamant about enforcing the slogan despite Mnangagwa’s own indications that he will not seek office in 2030.
Observers believe the slogan’s enforcement is a strategic move to solidify Mnangagwa’s grip on power while sidelining perceived threats within the party. However, dissenters like Mushekwa argue that these tactics undermine party unity and constitutional integrity.
What’s Next for ZANU-PF?
The factional infighting within ZANU-PF raises questions about the party’s stability as it faces growing economic challenges and public discontent. With provincial leaders threatening punitive measures against those opposing the slogan, the internal cracks appear to be widening.
Mushekwa’s case is expected to set a precedent for how dissenting voices are treated within the ruling party, as ZANU-PF continues to grapple with its leadership struggles ahead of the 2028 elections.– TellZim