INFIGHTING has erupted within Zanu PF-linked affiliates as senior ruling party figures allegedly battle to seize control of empowerment funds and grassroots structures ahead of the groups’ planned integration into the party.
The power struggles, which insiders say are driven by competing political ambitions and access to State-backed resources, have exposed deepening factionalism within organisations created to mobilise support for President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
The disputes come at a time when questions are mounting over accountability and transparency in the management of presidential empowerment funds, raising concern that programmes meant to uplift ordinary citizens are being diverted to serve the elite's political interests.
The turmoil follows a resolution adopted at the Zanu PF annual conference in Mutare last year which directed that party affiliates be integrated into the ruling party’s structures.
Senior Zanu PF officials said yesterday that recent remarks made by President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s special investment adviser, Paul Tungwarara, who accused some affiliates of misusing presidential empowerment funds, were triggered by allegedly misleading reports made to him by party elites seeking to wrest control of the groups through parallel structures.
Sources said some politicians have allegedly hijacked empowerment funds channelled through Tungwarara’s office and are demanding controlling stakes in the affiliate organisations.
Ambitious politicians are also accused of fuelling division by creating rival factions within the affiliates as they position themselves ahead of the groups’ formal integration into Zanu PF.
Addressing a gathering in Chimanimani, Manicaland province, recently, Tungwarara warned some affiliate leaders that their “days are numbered”, adding that an audit was underway to ascertain use resources.
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His warning came amid growing concern over the alleged abuse of State-backed empowerment programmes by senior party figures, raising questions about accountability, transparency and whether the funds are reaching intended grassroots beneficiaries.
However, NewsDay has established that infiltration by the Zanu PF elite of key affiliate structures is a major driver of the ongoing divisions.
“There are politicians who have realised that affiliates play a big role in bringing new membership to the party,” a source said.
“These are the same politicians who fought the same affiliates in 2023, fearing for their positions. When the affiliates started in 2021 and 2022, there were no such fights. But now, ahead of their integration into the party, politicians have found a way to infiltrate and create parallel structures.”
The source added that the same politicians were also targeting empowerment funds. “In short, they have hijacked them,” the source said.
Several key grassroots affiliates are reportedly being targeted, including Vapostori for Economic Development, Vendors for Economic Development, Cross-Border Traders for Economic Development, Nurses for ED, Varakashi for ED, among others.
Divisions have surfaced within Varakashi for ED, where founding chairperson Jones Musara is facing internal opposition. A rival group led by Godwin Nkatha, spearheaded by a top politburo member from Manicaland, has also emerged.
Vendors for ED chairperson and founder Samora Chisvo, who formed the organisation in 2021, is also facing a leadership challenge.
The organisation’s vice-chairperson, Nyarai Simenti, has been accused of attempting to seize control from Chisvo, who has described the move as an attempted “coup”.
The move has drawn condemnation from members, who are calling for Simenti to be held accountable.
Before the 2023 elections, Vapostori for ED was led by Madzibaba Moses Gwasira, with Obey Mapuranga as spokesperson.
However, this year, Mapuranga — allegedly with backing of certain politicians — formed the National Multi-Faith Economic Dialogue, which brings together N’angas for ED, Vapostori for ED, Pentecostals for ED, Masvikiro for ED and other groups.
Similarly, while the pre-election Nurses for ED was led by Cynthia Chisiri, new groups such as Health Ambassadors for ED and Doctors for ED have recently been formed.
Cross-Border Traders for ED, chaired by Zanu PF praise singer David Masomere — popularly known as DJ Masomere — is also facing internal resistance, with a separate Women Cross-Border Traders for ED now in existence.
“The decision to integrate affiliates into the party following the Mutare resolution has intensified infiltration and factionalism,” an insider told NewsDay.
Zanu PF political commissar Munyaradzi Machacha confirmed that the matter was under investigation.
“I am yet to get the details. I am at the farm for the holiday, but I will investigate the matter and come back to you,” Machacha said.
“They are not supposed to fight because these are revolving funds from which everyone is set to benefit.”
Zanu PF director of information Farai Marapira said the affiliates were independent organisations.
“On the infiltration issue, I am yet to receive such reports. Yes, we have some Zanu PF members who may also belong to affiliates, but affiliates are independent and have their own constitutions,” Marapira said.
