By Tinashe Sambiri

The concept of victory celebration rallies, a powerful tool for political mobilization, was first introduced by the late Morgan Richard Tsvangirai, the founding leader of the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC).

Tsvangirai used these rallies to celebrate electoral successes and galvanize supporters, making them a significant feature of his party’s campaigns.

However, in a surprising twist, the Zanu PF party, under the leadership of President Emmerson Mnangagwa, has since appropriated this concept. Zanu PF has begun holding its own victory celebration rallies, mimicking the style that was once unique to the MDC.

On Saturday, Zanu PF Masvingo Provincial Chairperson Robson Mavhenyengwa took the opportunity to claim that the concept of victory rallies was in fact the brainchild of President Mnangagwa. “We are unrolling celebration rallies across the country. Here in Masvingo, we have lined up a number of victory celebration rallies.

This is part of our efforts to salute our esteemed voters,” Mavhenyengwa stated, drawing attention to the party’s new strategy.

This appropriation of Tsvangirai’s idea has raised eyebrows, with critics pointing out that it is an attempt by Mnangagwa to co-opt a successful political tactic for his own purposes.

While Mnangagwa’s Zanu PF has embraced the rallies, the move has been seen as a way to secure loyalty and further entrench the president’s influence over the party, especially as tensions within Zanu PF continue to simmer.