ZANU PF yesterday began vetting and interviewing the leadership of its 181 affiliates, a move aimed at instilling order in the ruling party.
Reports within the party have suggested that the affiliates were being drawn into factional disputes over President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s succession.
Some of the groupings were accused of misusing Presidential empowerment funds overseen by Mnangagwa’s special investment adviser, Paul Tungwarara.
Chairpersons and secretary-generals of the affiliates are expected to be interviewed.
Empowerment programmes have been temporarily suspended by the party’s commissariat department, which is working to make the initiative more transparent.
The department, led by Munyaradzi Machacha, has indicated that the empowerment programme will resume soon.
Sources said vetting of the affiliates, which started yesterday, is scheduled to conclude on Saturday after four intensive days.
Party insiders said the vetting will examine several issues.
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“The chairpersons and secretary-generals of the affiliates are the ones being called for vetting,” a source said.
“We will be looking at how they became leaders, whether they were planted by the opposition and if they understand the party’s guidelines.”
The source added that membership records and recruitment methods will also be reviewed.
“If we manage to engage all 181 affiliates, then no one will be left behind.
“It is good for the party to involve all stakeholders.”
Machacha confirmed the meeting, but declined to elaborate, referring questions to the politburo secretary for security, Lovemore Matuke.
“I am attending another meeting,” he said. “Yes, there is such a meeting with the affiliates, but get in touch with Comrade Matuke.”
Matuke, however, said he was on leave and would return to work on February 11.
The review follows a resolution made at the Zanu PF annual conference in Mutare last year, which called for
all affiliates to be integrated into the party.
Among the affiliates set to be vetted are Vapostori, Vendors, Top Soup, and Contractors for Economic Development.
Some of the affiliates such as the Anti-Presidential Criticism vigilante grouping have attracted criticism over their conduct.
Last month, Machacha accused the group’s leadership of abusing the name of the party and President.
