By Victor Fanuel
Harare – Zanu PF’s Harare provincial leadership faces imminent dissolution after a high-level crunch meeting chaired by President Emmerson Mnangagwa and his deputies Constantino Chiwenga and Kembo Mohadi.
The meeting resolved to dismantle the structure for allegedly defying party authority and engaging in self-enrichment, authoritative sources have revealed.
Ironically, Mnangagwa seems to be throwing his weight behind Tagwirei, with the two recently caught on camera looking rather chummy during a leisurely golf outing.
In the now-viral footage, Tagwirei is not only seen teeing off alongside the President but also giving him a friendly pat on the shoulder, a gesture analysts say signals more than camaraderie, projecting Tagwirei’s entrenched position within the corridors of power.”
However, top insiders said the presidium recently held a closed-door session to tackle growing concerns over the conduct of the Harare executive led by chairperson Godwills Masimirembwa.
At the heart of the fallout is the province’s controversial endorsement of businessman Kudakwashe Tagwirei after his failed bid to be co-opted into the central committee.
Despite clear distancing by national leadership, the provincial leadership hosted a rally in Epworth where Tagwirei appeared as guest of honour.
Soon after, Masimirembwa‘a executive released a public statement backing Tagwirei—an act seen as defiance.
“The province undermined the leadership by siding with someone the party had clearly rejected.
“This was not just about Tagwirei. It’s about insubordination, about leaders trying to run parallel structures within the party,” said a senior Zanu PF official.
Long-standing allegations of corruption and abuse of office against Masimirembwa have also resurfaced.
He is accused of illegally converting Zanu PF’s Borrowdale offices into a restaurant and nightclub operated by businessman Blessed “JB” Charakupa.
The venue, reportedly licensed as a restaurant, was operating from Zanu PF’s district offices at Number 2 Campbell Road in Borrowdale, angering traditionalists who say party assets are being commercialised.
Earlier this month the Office of the President and Cabinet ordered the immediate shutdown of Zone Gardens Night Club, citing noise pollution and abuse of operating licences.
Masimirembwa also stands accused of operating as a land and space baron in Mbare, allegedly collecting protection fees from informal traders via proxies.
In the CBD, party offices have reportedly been turned into tuck shops—moves viewed as eroding the party’s stature.
Senior structures, including members of the central committee, are said to have lost faith in his leadership, accusing him of prioritising wealth accumulation and patronage.
“Under his (Masimirembwa) leadership, we lost both parliamentary and council seats in Chitungwiza—something that hasn’t happened in years,” fumed a Zanu PF insider.
“The province has been reduced to a vending empire.
“Seats are now going to the highest bidder, with little regard for ideology or loyalty to the party,” the insider added.
The situation worsened after Zanu PF spokesperson Christopher Mutsvangwa publicly labelled Tagwirei “unelectable” in a speech last week.
Mutsvangwa’s remarks, which repeatedly cited Harare Province, sparked a furious reaction from executive member Willard Gova, who was purportedly unleashed by Masimirembwa and attacked both Mutsvangwa and national chairperson Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri in a party WhatsApp group, Live Bulletin.
Gova was promptly removed from the group, reflecting efforts to control internal dissent.
Amid the chaos, Zanu PF’s digital arm—Varakashi—is under scrutiny for fanning factionalism and cult politics.
Once praised as a grassroots digital defence unit, Varakashi now faces criticism for straying from its mandate.
Presidential spokesperson George Charamba, a founding figure in the movement, recently posted his concerns on X (formerly Twitter).
“I am very worried with the turn of events,” Charamba posted.
“I was instrumental in the formation and management of Varakashi – a group of ideologically clear and technically savvy cadres tasked with defending the Party, its policies, and the President as the leader of both Party and Government.”
Charamba warned that a proliferation of “affiliates of affiliates” has created a chaotic communications space, with some activists now pledging loyalty to individuals over the President.
“Zanu PF is a unitary party; it has one President and First Secretary, who is ED Mnangagwa. No other person deserves support or defence approximating what he gets or should get,” he said.
With tensions rising, all signs point to an imminent purge of the Harare leadership. The top five executives are reportedly marked for dismissal in a move aimed at restoring party discipline.
Insiders say the province has become a liability. It is now a question of when, not if, the axe will fall.
“Masimirembwa has crossed the line too many times.
“The party is bigger than individuals. A cleansing is coming,” a senior official said.
