HARARE – The simmering tensions within Zimbabwe’s ruling Zanu-PF party have erupted into the open, with a clear power struggle intensifying between President Emmerson Mnangagwa and his deputy, Vice President Constantino Chiwenga. At the heart of the latest drama is Zanu-PF chairperson Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri, accused of orchestrating a plot to stymie the ascent of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture Minister Anseleem Sanyatwe, a known ally of Chiwenga.
Sources within Zanu-PF allege that Muchinguri-Kashiri, wary of Sanyatwe’s growing influence in Manicaland province since his transition from the military to politics, is actively promoting the co-option of Justice Matsatsire, founder of the Zanu-PF affiliate group MenBelivED, into the party’s central committee.
A well-placed Zanu-PF source revealed: “On November 4 there was a meeting at the Zanu PF headquarters between Muchinguri Kashiri, Machacha and Matuke where it was resolved that Justice Matsatsire would be co-opted into the central committee.”
The source further claimed: “They also resolved to find all means possible to block Lt General Sanyatwe from being co-opted into the central committee due to his links to VP Chiwenga.”
The central committee is Zanu-PF’s primary decision-making body outside of the party congress. Should Matsatsire be successful in gaining a seat, it would effectively sideline Sanyatwe, relegating him to a more junior position within the province.
It is alleged that money is already changing hands to ensure support for Muchinguri-Kashiri’s plan. “Money is already changing hands. All provincial members will be paid US$500 to support the elevation of Matsatsire while blocking Sanyatwe,” the source stated.
Matsatsire, through MenBelivED, has been a vocal proponent of extending President Mnangagwa’s term, aligning himself closely with Muchinguri-Kashiri. His roots in Mutasa, Manicaland, make him a strategic choice for Muchinguri-Kashiri, who fears Sanyatwe’s rising profile could threaten her long-held political dominance in the province.
“Muchinguri Kashiri is afraid of power shifts in the province. She is afraid that Sanyatwe might overtake her as the godmother of the province,” the source explained. “She is also afraid that if Sanyatwe rises in provincial structures, he can whip the whole province to support VP Chiwenga.”
Muchinguri-Kashiri reportedly held a meeting with Zanu-PF commissar Munyaradzi Machacha and the party’s secretary for security, Lovemore Matutu, to discuss the strategy to block Sanyatwe’s advancement.
Sanyatwe’s background as a former commander of the Zimbabwe National Army adds another layer of complexity to the situation. His retirement from the army in March, orchestrated by Mnangagwa, was viewed by many as a move to consolidate power and pre-empt any potential challenges to his leadership.
The escalating tensions between Mnangagwa and Chiwenga are not new. They can be traced back to the aftermath of the 2017 military-assisted transition that ousted Robert Mugabe. Despite initially working together during the coup, their relationship quickly deteriorated due to conflicting ambitions regarding succession, control over the security sector, and access to state resources.
While Chiwenga was initially seen as Mnangagwa’s kingmaker, his influence has gradually diminished as Mnangagwa has consolidated his grip on power. Mnangagwa has strategically reshuffled the security apparatus, reassigned senior military figures, and placed loyalists in key party and state institutions.
Chiwenga has also been vocal in his criticism of corruption within Zanu-PF, popularising the term “Zvigananda” to describe controversial businessmen with close ties to Mnangagwa, who are accused of exploiting the country through dubious and inflated tenders. At a recent Zanu-PF conference, the Vice President spoke forcefully against corruption and the personalisation of Agenda 2030, which he noted had been turned into a campaign slogan for Mnangagwa’s continued rule.
The expulsions were confirmed at the 22nd Zanu-PF Annual National People’s Conference held in Mutare, where delegates ratified disciplinary measures ranging from expulsions and suspensions to demotions and acquittals.
Zanu-PF national chairperson and head of the National Disciplinary Committee, Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri, informed delegates that the committee had handled 30 disciplinary cases during the review period, including two appeals. Among those expelled were Blessed Geza and Gifford Gomwe from Mashonaland West Province, accused of “undermining the authority of the President,” as well as Kudakwashe Gopi of Masvingo Province, and Victor Maningi and Spencer Mutero from Harare Province.
Blessed Geza, a respected war veteran who served in the Zanla forces during the liberation struggle, had become an outspoken critic of corruption, patronage, and what he termed the “commercialisation of loyalty” within Zanu-PF. Party insiders suggest that Geza’s close ties to Vice President Chiwenga made him a target for Mnangagwa’s loyalists.
Analysts believe that the latest actions are a clear indication of the power dynamics at play within Zanu-PF. “Mnangagwa is systematically eroding Chiwenga’s influence ahead of the party’s elective congress,” said Tirivangani Gunda, a Harare-based political analyst. “By targeting his allies through party disciplinary processes, the President is ensuring that no alternative power centre emerges within ZANU PF.”
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