By A Correspondent
ZANU PF is reinforcing its grassroots structures through a cell verification exercise, an initiative that insiders suggest is also strategically positioned to bolster support for President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s potential third-term ambitions.
The ruling party has embarked on a nationwide cell restructuring program, aimed at ensuring the party’s foundations are solidified with accurate and up-to-date data. The verification exercise, now in full swing, is seen as crucial in guaranteeing that the membership base is genuine and engaged, forming the backbone of ZANU PF’s long-term strategy.
During a Special Provincial Coordinating Committee meeting held at the party’s Harare headquarters on Wednesday, ZANU PF’s National Political Commissar, Cde Munyaradzi Machacha, emphasized the significance of the exercise for the party’s future.
“Cells are our foundation as ZANU PF, and if we have a weak foundation, then we will be shaken,” Cde Machacha explained. “This weekend, visitors from Mashonaland Central, led by Central Committee member Cde Douglas Mombeshora, will be in Harare to verify whether the cells are existent.”
The verification process, which started in Bulawayo and is now underway in Harare, is set to expand to other provinces in March. Should discrepancies or poor-quality work be identified, those responsible will be required to rectify the situation, ensuring that only accurate data is maintained.
“If it is realized that a shoddy job was done, those affected would have to redo it,” Cde Machacha added.
ZANU PF Harare Province Chairperson, Cde Godwills Masimirembwa, spoke proudly of the province’s progress, revealing that they have successfully registered over 400,000 members through the exercise.
“We are ready as a province to have this exercise done. We are sure of the work we did and I can say we managed to register over 400,000 members,” Cde Masimirembwa stated.
This cell verification exercise serves not only as a tool for membership auditing but also aims to recruit new members, particularly from the youth demographic, aligning with ZANU PF’s broader goal of consolidating support ahead of upcoming political events.
While the exercise is officially framed as a way to strengthen the party’s structure, some political insiders view it as a calculated move to secure widespread backing for Mnangagwa’s third-term aspirations and to ensure party loyalty is deeply embedded at every level.