Mnangagwa Cracks Whip on Zanu PF Factionalism
By Loyd Matare
A livid President Emmerson Mnangagwa has called Zanu PF members to order amid internal divisions and factionalism in the ruling party.
The party is battling internal conflicts, with two factions at loggerheads over the extension of Mnangagwa’s reign beyond the constitutionally stipulated two terms.
Zanu PF’s internal conflicts have been escalating, with the party’s leadership struggling to contain the fallout.
The divisions have been fueled by Mnangagwa’s supporters, who are pushing for him to rule until 2030, despite his public declaration that he will not seek re-election after completing his two terms.
This has led to a rift within the party, with some members, including war veterans, calling for Mnangagwa’s resignation.
The push for Mnangagwa’s extended rule has also drawn in opposition Members of Parliament, who have been roped into the plan to amend the constitution and pave the way for Mnangagwa’s continued leadership.
Some cabinet ministers, such as Daniel Garwe and Jenfan Muswere, have publicly expressed their support for Mnangagwa’s extended tenure, further fueling the factional strife within the party.
Speaking at an Ordinary Session of the Politiburo meeting at the Zanu PF headquarters, Mnangagwa warned against factionalism and narratives that threaten to undermine the party’s ethos.
“Meanwhile, unfortunate and misplaced narratives that seek to distort facts, stoke division and discord should never be given a footing in our body politic.
“True cadres of the party are clear on the correct line of our revolution, our party history, our values and our traditions.”
Mnangagwa emphasized the importance of loyalty, saying, “Do not be clouded or led by wolves in sheep’s clothing abusing our rich liberation heritage for their own divisive ends. Loyal Zanu PF members by day and ZANU PF by night not merely when its convenient but you must remain loyal day or night. Sleep or awake, not when it is convenient.”
He also cautioned against efforts to undermine the party’s leadership.
“At no time should we as the leadership question you about your sense of commitment, your sense of duty and loyalty. Any efforts of this nature must never find space in our Party and progressive political culture. We must expose and reject those with tendencies of political grandstanding, including their accessories,” he said.
Mnangagwa concluded by emphasizing the need for vigilance in defending the party’s ideals, saying, “Over and above this, defending our Party and promoting its ideals remains a moral imperative and a practical necessity.
“All structures of the Party must, therefore, be vigilant and stand firm in safeguarding our revolutionary foregrounding.”
