President Emmerson Mnangagwa has intervened in a dispute within Zanu-PF, reversing the dismissal of six social media activists and challenging legal secretary Patrick Chinamasa’s authority, amidst tensions linked to party succession politics.
In Zimbabwe, President Emmerson Mnangagwa has intervened in an internal Zanu-PF dispute by reversing the dismissal of six social media activists deemed ‘rogue elements’ by party legal secretary Patrick Chinamasa. This decision has raised tensions within a party already struggling with factional divisions related to succession politics.
Mnangagwa’s disapproval of Chinamasa’s decision was communicated through a hand-written note on an appeal letter from activist Jonasi Mandiwisa Musara. In this letter, Musara sought to reinstate the dismissed activists to continue promoting the president’s EDWORKS campaign and support Zanu-PF and Zimbabwe as a whole.
Musara claimed to have recently met with Mnangagwa, who insisted that he had not authorized the dismissals. In his appeal, he emphasized the importance of social media in defending and promoting the president’s agenda. Musara urged the president to reverse the dismissals.
This intervention directly challenges Chinamasa’s authority and is likely to exacerbate existing rifts within Zanu-PF, particularly concerning the Varakashi4ED Social Media Unit, which consists of online activists who are paid to defend the president and counter critics. Chinamasa had previously accused the activists of insulting senior officials
Among the dismissed activists were Tinotenda Gachange, Tafadzwa Mawire, Felix Muzondo, Pardon Mangwende, and Herbert Mathe. Gachange responded on the social media platform X, posting Musara’s letter with Mnangagwa’s comments, implicitly criticizing Chinamasa’s actions.
Critics argue that while Mnangagwa publicly denies ambition for an extended presidency, he is privately encouraging supporters to pursue amendments to remove term limits, potentially allowing him to remain in power beyond 2028. Their reinstatement underscores the internal power dynamics in Zanu-PF, where loyalties are split between pro-Mnangagwa factions and those wary of his leadership.
With Mnangagwa’s intervention, the battle for influence in Zanu-PF has intensified, raising speculation regarding the direction of the party and the president’s political goals amidst ongoing succession tensions.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s intervention in the dismissal of Zanu-PF social media activists highlights the intense internal conflicts within the party. By reversing the legal secretary’s decision, Mnangagwa seeks to reinforce his influence in a landscape marked by factional disputes and succession concerns. The ongoing power struggle and the reinstatement of activists emphasize the potential implications for both Mnangagwa’s presidency and the party’s future direction.
Original Source: www.thezimbabwemail.com
