Mnangagwa’s Congress Move Sparks Speculation Over ZANU PF Unity

This
bold
step,
unfolding
as
the
Congress
takes
place
in
Bulawayo,
reflects
deeper
undercurrents
within
Zimbabwe’s
ruling
party.

The
Congress,
a
critical
event
in
ZANU
PF’s
political
calendar,
usually
sees
a
full
representation
of
party
members.

However,
this
year’s
move
to
exclude
key
figures
loyal
to
Chiwenga
has
caught
the
attention
of
many,
with
speculations
growing
over
what
this
means
for
internal
party
dynamics.

As
the
event
progresses,
the
absence
of
these
delegates
raises
questions
about
the
future
balance
of
power
within
ZANU
PF.

Farai
Marapira,
ZANU
PF’s
Director
of
Information,
was
quick
to
dismiss
claims
of
a
deliberate
exclusion,
stating
that
the
reduced
number
of
delegates
was
not
an
attempt
to
marginalize
certain
factions.

He
emphasized
that
despite
the
smaller
group
of
attendees,
those
present
still
carry
the
full
mandate
of
the
party’s
grassroots
members.

This
assurance,
however,
has
done
little
to
quell
the
swirling
rumors
of
power
struggles.

“We’ve
consulted
extensively
at
all
levels
of
the
party,
and
the
representatives
here
have
a
clear
responsibility
to
deliver
resolutions
back
to
their
communities,”
Marapira
said.
His
remarks
aim
to
maintain
the
image
of
party
unity,
even
as
some
read
deeper
intentions
into
Mnangagwa’s
recent
actions.

Adding
to
the
conversation,
Kerina
Mujati,
a
prominent
critic
of
ZANU
PF,
highlighted
that
the
party
has
not
held
a
full
congress
since
2012.
She
suggests
that
this
avoidance
could
be
strategic,
allowing
current
leadership
to
sidestep
potential
changes
that
might
arise
from
a
larger,
more
inclusive
gathering.
For
Mujati,
the
lack
of
a
true
congress
since
then
points
to
a
larger
trend
within
ZANU
PF
of
controlling
the
narrative
and
structure.

Meanwhile,
Bulawayo
is
buzzing
with
activity
as
the
Congress
brings
a
significant
economic
boost
to
the
city.
Hotels
and
lodges
have
reached
full
capacity,
with
deposits
paid
in
advance.
Kudzai
Ratisai,
vice
president
of
the
Hospitality
Association
of
Zimbabwe,
expressed
excitement
about
the
economic
injection.
“This
is
very
good
for
Bulawayo,”
Ratisai
noted,
emphasizing
the
positive
impact
the
Congress
has
had
on
local
businesses.

The
Bulawayo
City
Council
has
also
welcomed
the
event,
recognizing
the
opportunity
for
long-term
growth.
Kholisani
Moyo,
the
city’s
business
development
officer,
stated
that
Bulawayo
is
becoming
an
increasingly
popular
destination
for
large-scale
conferences.
“This
influx
of
visitors
is
proof
that
Bulawayo
can
serve
as
a
key
hub
for
national
and
international
gatherings,”
Moyo
said,
noting
how
such
events
can
have
lasting
benefits
for
the
city’s
economy.

As
the
Congress
continues,
the
absence
of
Chiwenga’s
loyalists
will
be
closely
monitored.
Political
analysts
and
party
insiders
alike
will
be
paying
attention
to
how
this
development
affects
Mnangagwa’s
standing
and
the
broader
party
dynamics.
While
official
statements
project
calm,
the
political
ripples
from
this
decision
are
likely
to
extend
far
beyond
the
Congress
itself.

The
Zim
Bulletin

Post
published
in:

Featured