HOW DOES FACTIONALISM HELP ZANU PF?

BY Dr MASIMBA MAVAZA

Factionalism within ZANU PF, Zimbabwe’s ruling party, has been a significant factor in its politics. Zimbabwe waits in anticipation; no one has a clue how it will end.

The air breathed in ZANU PF circles smells heavily of factionalism.

Factionalism can have both positive and negative effects on a political party.

It envelopes the party with Negative effects and positive effects too.

The very loud silence about succession in ZANU PF has brought very wide Divisions and deep conflicts.

Factionalism has led to internal divisions, conflicts, and power struggles, weakening the party’s unity and cohesion.

Lack of clear direction mirrors the inner bones of the party.

Factions may have different ideologies, policies, or priorities, making it challenging for the party to present a clear and consistent message.

However, in ZANU PF, factions thrive around the same ideology but with different characters and personalities.

The very clear factions have revealed Infighting and fragmentation within the formidable political party.

Factionalism, if not checked now, will lead to infighting, which can fragment the party.

The enemies of the revolution are agitating for splits, defections, or even the collapse of the party.

But with the way ZANU PF operates, factionalism manifested in Positive effects:

There have been Diverse perspectives born out of this splitting factionalism.

Factionalism in ZANU PF has brought diverse perspectives and ideas to the table, enriching the party’s policy debates and decision-making processes.

With another faction leaning on the side of progressive business moguls, the whole aspect of politics has opened its doors to business.

The business mind has brought Innovation and adaptability. Factions can drive innovation and adaptability within the party, as different groups may be more willing to experiment with new ideas and approaches.

While the opposing groups strive to outsmart each other in business, the overall party populace will benefit from the unintended fight. The advent of the new wave of competition has introduced a very strict regime of Checks and balances.

Factions in ZANU PF have served as a check on each other’s power, preventing any one group from dominating the party and promoting more inclusive decision-making.

Ultimately, whether factionalism helps or hinders ZANU PF depends on how it is managed and the party’s ability to balance diverse perspectives with unity and cohesion.

President MNANGAGWA, who is a planner himself, has used a very powerful weapon in dealing with factionalism.

His use of silence has effectively silenced his critics. It should be mentioned that factionalism has impacted the party in many ways.

While Factionalism has led to internal power struggles, with different groups vying for influence and control within the party, it has made the party very strong.

This has resulted in conflicts and divisions, sometimes spilling into public view.

But the situation has brought a lesson to ZANU PF, the lesson of solving any situation amicably.

Factions within ZANU PF may have differing views on policy, leading to inconsistent decision-making and challenges in implementing a unified party agenda, especially on the issues of the party’s constitution.

Succession crises reach the highest mountain and flow into the lowest valley, proclaiming unity in the middle of division.

Factionalism has contributed to succession crises, as different groups within the party are supporting different candidates for leadership positions.

In the sight of the onlookers, it will look like the party has been weakened.

Factionalism can weaken party unity, as different factions may prioritize their interests over the party’s overall well-being.

However, ZANU PF gets stronger when it is in the shaking period. However, some argue that factionalism has also helped ZANU PF in certain ways.

Checks and balances:

Factions can serve as a check on each other’s power, preventing any one group from dominating the party.

The party, through factions, had shown that no one person has ultimate power.

ZANU PF has a history of factionalism and still has a history of coming out of factionalism intact.

Some notable examples of factionalism within ZANU PF include Mnangagwa vs. Mugabe:

The rivalry between Emmerson Mnangagwa and Robert Mugabe was a significant example of factionalism within the party, ultimately contributing to Mugabe’s ouster and the advent of the new dispensation.

-G40 vs. Lacoste:

The G40 and Lacoste factions were two prominent groups within ZANU PF, with differing interests and agendas.

Before this, there was Gamatox. Factionalism has brought up good and bad results.

Overall, factionalism has been a complex and multifaceted aspect of ZANU PF’s dynamics, with both positive and negative consequences for the party.

The silent murmuring is just the party cleaning itself.

When ZANU PF is faced with an outside-the-camp enemy, it amasses all its powers and takes control.

ZANU PF cannot be destroyed by factionalism, to the contrary, it is strengthened by it.

Dr MASIMBA Mavaza is a lawyer and a Political commentator.

His home and work, and food are ZANU PF.