By Staff Reporter
Harare – Fierce factional battles have erupted within Zanu PF’s Harare province, with divisions deepening over the controversial “2030” mantra, which some members see as an effort to extend president Emmerson Mnangagwa’s term beyond the constitutionally stipulated 2028.
The latest development in this escalating conflict saw the suspension of Zanu PF provincial chairperson Godwills Masimirembwa by the party’s provincial political commissar Kudakwashe Damson.
Damson in a letter dated November 14, accused Masimirembwa of misconduct and fanning factionalism within the party, particularly by promoting the “2030” sloganeering.
“Firstly, by you personally and actively moving the “2030” iniative and sloganeering against not only the will of his excellency, the first secretary and president of Zanu PF, cde ED Mnangagwa, but also against the Party and National Constitution, you have led and preferred an agenda that has the deliberate effect of causing divisions and factions in the Party,” read parts of the letter.
“We believe that the unconstitutional actions being pursued by you are meant to deliberately undermine and impair the standing and legacy of our revered leader, His Excellency the President, in obvious pursuit of a hidden selfish and nefarious agendas.
“In pursuing the aforesaid agenda, you are verily aware, as a lawyer in your own right, that by pursuing the aforesaid agenda, you were doing so in blatant contravention of the supreme laws of the party and nation,” added the letter.
Masimirembwa’s suspension has intensified divisions within Zanu PF Harare province, with sources revealing that both Masimirembwa also claims to have dismissed Damson.
Prior to Masimirembwa’s suspension Mnangagwa had dispatched Zanu PF national political Munyaradzi Machacha, secretary of legal affairs Patrick Chinamasa, and secretary of security Lovemore Matuke to mediate the growing tensions.
Despite the politburo team’s directives that the party’s Harare provincial leaders to work in harmony and resolve their differences both Damson and Masimirembwa defied this order and continued their public fallout.
Furthermore, sources claim that following the meeting with Machacha, Chinamasa, and Matuke, Masimirembwa reportedly told close allies he would disregard the agreements reached, signaling his intent to continue pursuing his plans independently.
Zanu PF insiders say the Harare province’s infighting is eroding support among the electorate, with key stakeholders expressing concern about the party’s ability to unite ahead of future elections.
An open letter by aggrieved Zanu PF Harare province party member addressed to Mnangagwa and Zanu PF national chairperson Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri lamented the province’s deteriorating state, warning that even the much-discussed interim provincial executive might fail to salvage it.
“Harare province is going down to unprecedented levels to an extent that even the much talked about interim provincial executive may fail to resuscitate it.
“Masimirembwa is the worst provincial Chairman since the inception of Harare province, the provincial chairman is corrupt to the core he is fighting for tuckshops at our provincial offices and at zone dcc offices,” read parts of the letter.
“His (Masimirembwa) entire executive is as corrupt as him we don’t have leadership President we are on our own.
“They don’t have time to properly establish part structures, what happened in 2023 primary election is also hounding the province part positions were being sold to the highest bidder especially on those PR positions,” added the letter.
The open letter appealed for a remedy to resolve the fierce Zanu PF infighting within 24 hours.
“I am a provincial member in good standing Madam chair (Muchinguri-Kashiri) but now I am confused on who to follow the provincial political commissar or the Chairman the whole provincial structure is divided.
“The provincial political commissar is announcing that he has suspended the chairman and the chairman is announcing that he has suspended the pC and other 9 provincial members all in one day,” further read the open letter.
Masimirembwa’s suspension has also brought to light allegations of external influence.
He is accused of acting on orders from Zanu PF secretary Obert Mpofu, and allegedly attempting to assert control over lucrative provincial tuck shops.
The infighting has raised alarms about the party’s prospects in Harare province, which has historically struggled to consolidate support in urban areas.
Analysts warn that the ongoing divisions, fueled by personal agendas and factional rivalries, risk further alienating voters.
Despite the intervention of Zanu PF politburo members, the Harare province remains engulfed in turmoil, with no resolution in sight.
As both Damson and Masimirembwa continue their power struggle, the larger question remains whether Zanu PF can restore unity and focus in the province ahead of its critical 2028 electoral campaigns.
