By Munacho Gwamanda-The ongoing power struggle between President Emmerson Mnangagwa and his deputy, Vice President Constantino Chiwenga, has claimed another political casualty, with the Zanu PF Politburo expelling Gutu East MP Benjamin Ganyiwa.
His removal follows a broader purge targeting Chiwenga’s key allies, as Mnangagwa consolidates his grip on power ahead of looming internal party contests.
Ganyiwa was expelled on allegations of attempting to unconstitutionally remove six district chairpersons, fanning factionalism, and holding unauthorised meetings where President Mnangagwa was reportedly criticised.
His ousting is the latest in a series of dismissals aimed at dismantling Chiwenga’s support base within the ruling party.
The announcement was made by Zanu PF’s legal affairs secretary, Patrick Chinamasa, on Thursday.
While Ganyiwa was expelled, Roy Bila, the MP for Chiredzi North, was exonerated of all charges, while Calisto Bangu was referred to the National Disciplinary Committee to address accusations of undermining the party.
The purge extended beyond Ganyiwa, with several other senior party members removed.
Gifford Gomwe from Mashonaland West was expelled for creating a WhatsApp group allegedly undermining the party.
In Masvingo, Kudakwashe Gopo was dismissed for disrupting District Coordinating Committee (DCC) meetings and forming a similar WhatsApp group.
In Harare, former Provincial Political Commissar Kudakwashe Damson was handed a three-year suspension for multiple charges, while DCC 2 chairman Godwin Gomwe was expelled for factionalism and indiscipline.
Another Harare provincial figure, Edson Ringwa, was expelled for illegally parcelling out stands in Chitungwiza, among other allegations.
The purge also claimed Victor Manungo, accused of spreading falsehoods and sowing disunity within the party through social media.
According to Chinamasa, Manungo had demonstrated disloyalty through online platforms, leading to his expulsion.
Similarly, Spencer Mutero was expelled for administering a social media group that was deemed antagonistic to the party’s agenda.
Chinamasa stated that Mutero personally attacked Mnangagwa, violating party regulations.
Initially, the province had recommended a three-year suspension, but the Politburo opted for outright expulsion due to the severity of the offence.
Meanwhile, Blessing Kambumu, accused of secretly creating a fake social media account and insubordination, was stripped of his position but retained as a card-carrying member without leadership privileges for three years.
Former Harare Provincial Women’s League chairperson Ratidzo Mukarati, who was previously suspended for fanning factionalism, was demoted to a lesser influential position within the league.
This latest crackdown follows the earlier expulsion of key Chiwenga allies, including Blessing Geza, highlighting the widening rift between Mnangagwa and his deputy.
Mnangagwa has been systematically removing individuals perceived as loyal to Chiwenga, reinforcing his hold on the party and neutralising any potential challengers.
The intensifying power struggle stems from deep-seated factional tensions dating back to the 2017 military coup that ousted the late Robert Mugabe.
While Chiwenga played a pivotal role in installing Mnangagwa, relations between the two have soured, with Chiwenga’s faction reportedly pushing for leadership change ahead of Zanu PF’s internal elections.
The purge signals Mnangagwa’s determination to weaken his deputy’s influence, ensuring that any dissent within the party is swiftly dealt with.
As the factional battle escalates, more Chiwenga allies are expected to face similar consequences, further consolidating Mnangagwa’s dominance within Zanu PF.
Chinamasa emphasised that the actions taken reflect the party’s commitment to discipline and unity, though critics argue they are a strategic move to eliminate political rivals. “It is crucial that we uphold discipline within the party,” he stated.