Harare – ZANU PF has launched a fresh wave of expulsions and suspensions, a move analysts say signals growing panic and deepening internal strife within the ruling party.
In a stunning purge, the Politburo has expelled Gutu East Member of Parliament Benjamin Ganyiwa, citing allegations of attempting to unconstitutionally remove district chairpersons, factionalism, and holding unsanctioned meetings critical of the President. His removal paves the way for yet another by-election, raising questions about the party’s stability ahead of crucial national elections.
The crackdown did not stop there. Several other party members across various provinces have been axed for their alleged involvement in factionalism, misuse of social media, and acts deemed as disloyalty. Among the casualties is Harare’s District Coordinating Committee (DCC) 2 chairman Godwin Gomwe, whose expulsion further underscores the growing divisions in the capital.
In Mashonaland West, Gifford Gomwe was shown the door for reportedly creating a WhatsApp group deemed subversive, while Masvingo’s Kudakwashe Gopo faced a similar fate for allegedly disrupting party structures and forming another “rogue” social media platform.
The growing list of expulsions also includes Edson Ringwa from Harare, accused of illegally parceling out stands in Chitungwiza, and Victor Manungo, charged with spreading “falsehoods” that threatened party unity. Meanwhile, former Harare Provincial Women’s League chairperson Ratidzo Mukarati, currently under suspension for alleged factionalism, was demoted to a less influential role within the party.
Some members were handed suspensions instead of outright expulsions. Blessing Kambumu, accused of creating a fake social media account and insubordination, will remain a card-carrying member but is barred from holding any position for three years. Similarly, Spencer Mutero was expelled for running a social media group accused of undermining the party’s leadership.
Political Panic or Party Discipline?
ZANU PF’s Secretary for Legal Affairs, Patrick Chinamasa, defended the sweeping expulsions, claiming they were necessary to “uphold discipline” and safeguard party values. However, critics argue that the mass purges reflect an increasingly paranoid leadership fearful of internal dissent.
“These expulsions are a clear indication of a party in turmoil,” said a political analyst. “ZANU PF is battling factional wars, and instead of addressing the underlying causes, they are resorting to political purges. The fear of internal rebellion is real.”
The latest wave of expulsions follows a growing pattern of crackdowns on members accused of opposing the party’s leadership or challenging internal power dynamics. With by-elections looming as a result of these dismissals, the question remains: Is ZANU PF strengthening itself, or is it tearing itself apart from within?
As the ruling party intensifies its efforts to silence dissent, many will be watching to see whether these expulsions bring order or deepen the cracks within Zimbabwe’s most dominant political force.