BY DR MASIMBA MAVAZA It should be very clear to all of us that it’s not healthy for ZANU PF to continue with in-fights. Internal conflicts and power struggles generally end up hurting the party and affecting governance in Zimbabwe. We must remember that besides governing itself, ZANU-PF governs the country. Infighting is an unnecessary burden on ZANU PF, and it does hurt us big time. ZANU-PF’s been serving up a whole lot of drama in Zimbabwe lately. This power struggle’s been going on for a year now, and it’s all stemming from that constitutional breach drama, specifically about people trying to persuade President Emmerson Mnangagwa to extend his term beyond 2028, despite the constitution saying’ two terms maximum. They’re calling it “ED 2030”, and it’s causing major rifts. The Fallout has been Huge. Resources wasted. Instead of focusing on fixing Zimbabwe’s economy, healthcare, or infrastructure, funds are getting sucked into this internal war zone. The infighting has left some Comrades hurt. A lot of party members got demoted, expelled for no real reason other than being on the “wrong” side of the fight. Some’ve been straight-up sacrificed in this power play. The party is walking in line and tilting more towards a divided party. The infighting is threatening to tear the party apart — with factions supporting President Mnangagwa’s extended rule versus others like Vice President Constantino Chiwenga opposing it. Chiwenga’s opponents seem as a potential successor too, adding to the spice. The President has publicly refused to extend his term, and he clearly said he is a Constitutionalist. He urged his followers not to persuade him to break the constitution. We have ministers who are now known for propagating 2030, completely forgetting their ministry. A girl was asked what Minister Garwe does. Her answer was precise. He is the minister of 2030 in the President’s office. Each time he is on television, he speaks of 2030 more than he speaks about his ministry. *What’s at Stake? 1. Constitutional integrity: Pushing to change term limits sets a scary precedent and could lead to more authoritarian grabs in the future. The grab will be perpetuated by those hang-ons who are misleading the president. 2. Economic impact: Meanwhile, Zimbabwe’s grappling with poverty, inflation soaring, power cuts are daily, and the party’s too busy with internal fights to address these. This infighting must stop. 3. The public is fed up with fights that do not benefit us as a nation. Citizens are frustrated seeing leaders squabble instead of fixing basics like jobs, healthcare. What’s Next? It’s like Zimbabwe is at a crossroads. ZANU-PF must get its act together for the people’s sake. We must not be selfish for waiting for this infighting to drag the nation down further. Only time’ll tell, but one thing’s for sure, the ordinary Zimbabweans are sufferin’ while the elites play their games. Infights Are Harmful: They weaken party Unity*: Constant internal bickering fractures the cohesion needed for effective politics. Damages Public Image. Public displays of infighting make the party look unstable to voters and the media. 3. Distracts from Governance: Instead of focusing on serving citizens, energy goes into internal disputes. 4. Infighting Undermines the Credibility of the Party. The perceived divisions in the party will harm trust in the party’s ability to lead. 5. This Could Empower Opposition: While rivals might gain an advantage from seeing a divided ruling party. As a party, we need to open our eyes. ZANU-PF Needs Cohesion. Unity helps in pursuing party goals and governing effectively. 6. Focus on Issues: Addressing real citizen needs like economy, health, education — instead of internal squabbles. The legacy to be left behind should not be of infighting. The Leadership Clarity is indeed a must. Clear, stable leadership helps direct the party. There is a great Impact on Governance by this infighting. Zimbabwe’s Development Needs effective governance, focusing on economic revival and service delivery for citizens. Politics vs People is the game we are now watching, and there are no winners in such a match. When infights overshadow people’s needs, governance suffers. This conference must create a Path Forward. There must be a Dialogue Encouraging internal talks and reconciliation, which can help manage divisions. ZANU PF Focus must be on the Nation. Prioritising national development and citizen welfare over personal/political rivalries aids stability. As a party, we must adopt an overall, minimize harmful infights. This can help ZANU-PF be more effective in serving Zimbabwe. We must come together at this conference and make a difference. Let us remember that ZANU-PF is for Zimbabwe and not for a few individuals. Zimbabwe is the only country we can call ours, so let’s think about it. ZANU PF iwe neni tine basa. Post navigation Russia and Republic of the Congo Explore New Horizons in Humanitarian Cooperation ZANU PF Conference Opens with Call for Unity, Discipline and Development