By Dr. Masimba Mavaza | Disinformation and internal plots pose an unprecedented threat to the ZANU PF 2024 Conference, and the party appears less prepared than ever. The conference takes place in an environment ripe for disinformation, with relentless propaganda both within and outside the party. One particularly damaging lie is the claim that President Mnangagwa seeks to overstay his constitutional mandate. This has gained traction among a faction known as “2030,” leading to distrust and division within the party, especially between military factions and others.
These divisive actions are not done in the President’s name. Disinformation now threatens not only democracy within the party but also its very freedom. Populist attitudes and accusations of disinformation are eroding trust in the media and fueling selfish ambitions within the party. Some populist politicians use disinformation—commonly labeled as “fake news”—to accuse their rivals of being disloyal to the President. Social media has amplified this, with videos and propaganda portraying Vice President Chiwenga as a rival to President Mnangagwa. However, thorough investigations into these accusations have yielded no substantial evidence, exposing these divisive tactics as baseless.
Disinformation accusations are reducing trust in the party, and those spreading lies may eventually undermine their own credibility. The real victim here is the party itself. While populist individuals may support these tactics, the broader party is suffering. Disinformation can weaken the credibility of the entire party and undermine public trust in authoritative sources, such as scientists or health experts.
The party must resist the temptation to thrive on gossip or plots. As the conference begins, we face a convergence of events—both domestic and international—that create a perfect storm for disinformation to thrive. There is a rising sense of entitlement among certain members of the party, leading to distrust and unrest. The spread of falsehoods and conspiracy theories is more dangerous than ever, and those close to the President who spread gossip to maintain their proximity to power are contributing to this chaos.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa has always demonstrated a commitment to truth. I remember meeting him soon after the new dispensation, when I had critical information about two ministers. Rather than acting hastily, the President ensured the information was thoroughly vetted. This experience taught me that approaching the President requires fully substantiated facts, not gossip.
Unfortunately, some ministers, uneducated in the proper ways of leadership, consolidate their power by spreading lies. To strengthen the party, we need to focus on tracking misinformation with fact-checkers and avoid rushing to social media with baseless claims. The emerging role of artificial intelligence (AI) in shaping political discourse is another serious threat. AI can fabricate fake interviews, manipulate images, and further distort the truth. The party must take steps to counteract these dangers if it hopes to survive.
The wave of lies and fake news being spread, particularly against Vice President Chiwenga, is eroding trust in the entire party. Public trust in politicians is already at an all-time low, and AI-generated misinformation could further damage the integrity of our elections and democracy. Political parties, including ZANU PF, must use AI ethically and combat disinformation effectively.
The party must also establish mechanisms to rectify false statements. Leaders who spread lies should face sanctions, and it should even be considered a criminal offense to deliberately deceive the President. Organisationally, ZANU PF must be prepared to tackle misinformation as we gear up for the campaign, ensuring that only approved slogans are used and that the focus remains on fact-checking.
The 2024 Conference comes during a crucial year of structural changes and economic challenges. While President Mnangagwa has built a strong legacy in less than two terms, some who pretend to support him are nothing more than thieves and bad politicians. The spread of disinformation—much of it from former G40 allies—has created instability. Social media platforms have become breeding grounds for lies, allowing misinformation to run rampant.
The spread of falsehoods, much like in 2017, poses a real threat to the party’s unity. Divisive rhetoric and slogans used to silence those who don’t blindly follow the crowd are weakening our democracy. Disinformation has now become a convenient tool for politicians to discredit rivals, and these accusations undermine public trust in vital sources of information, such as the media and science.
Despite these severe consequences, ZANU PF’s leadership has largely ignored the impact of disinformation, and this negligence is harming the party. Disinformation accusations by politicians are damaging the party’s credibility and shaking citizens’ trust in its leadership. Populists within the party are pushing a binary view of truth, and their resentment of authoritative sources is exacerbating the problem.
We must realize that using terms like “fake news” irresponsibly can backfire, casting doubt on legitimate information and creating chaos. As a party, we need to stop this destructive cycle and focus on governing for the next five years. We must rise above factionalism and reject the malcontents who are sponsored by enemies of the party. If we are not careful, we risk sinking as a party.
The party must avoid reactionary decisions and reject those who lie in the name of the President. Social media, which once empowered democracy, is now being used to undermine it from within. Disinformation about Vice President Chiwenga, dressed up as neutral fact-checks, is spreading like wildfire, damaging the party’s unity.
ZANU PF must remember that factions weaken the foundations of the party and the democratic system. While social media platforms have become a tool for those seeking to divide us, we must not let lies destroy our party. ZANU PF is a seasoned organization and must resist the forces of disinformation.