Political Challenges and Calls for Unity in Zimbabwe
Former Norton legislator Temba Mliswa has urged President Emmerson Mnangagwa to take decisive action to address internal conflicts within ZANU-PF. Mliswa warned that factional battles could undermine both party cohesion and national development, especially as the opposition continues to face challenges in defining its identity and direction following Nelson Chamisa’s departure from the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC).
In a statement reflecting on the current state of Zimbabwe’s political landscape, Mliswa compared Mnangagwa’s present challenges with Chamisa’s earlier decision to resign from the CCC in January 2024. At that time, Chamisa claimed his movement had been contaminated and hijacked. His exit left the opposition fragmented, with only two legislators—Fadzayi Mahere of Mt Pleasant and Allan Markham of Harare East—resigning in solidarity.
The remaining members of the CCC’s parliamentary group and local councils have continued to serve despite pressure from supporters who argue that they are defending democratic space. Since then, the opposition’s leadership has become increasingly unclear, with Welshman Ncube and Jameson Timba alternating as leaders.
Mliswa described the CCC as having lost much of its momentum and surviving only through sporadic support from those still identifying with it. He pointed out that the ruling party now faces little opposition, but internal factionalism threatens to waste this opportunity.
“The ruling party finds itself with next to no opposition. But factional gimmicks by a clique within threaten to waste this moment,” Mliswa said. He warned that ZANU-PF risks squandering a rare political advantage through internal divisions that mirror the same kind of infighting that crippled the opposition.
“At a time when the ruling party should be entrenching its hold, it finds itself grappling with internal frictions. It is incumbent upon the leader to exercise his discretion and powers to clean the system of whatever is clogging development,” he added.
Drawing a parallel with Chamisa’s resignation, Mliswa argued that the CCC leader made a mistake by walking away instead of removing individuals who were undermining the party. He urged Mnangagwa to take the opposite approach and act decisively to reconstitute his team accordingly.
“It’s futile to continue marching on when part of the team is sapping strength from others by continuously tugging in the wrong direction. Rather, stop, cleave off the errant branches and then continue marching!” he wrote.
Mliswa also criticized the CCC’s attempt to capitalize on ZANU-PF’s factional battles, calling it comical how an opposition can be so invested in promoting a ruling party candidate. He suggested that the ruling party should seize the opportunity created by a weak opposition to push forward with national development priorities and build President Mnangagwa’s legacy.
“The current environment provides an opportunity for ED to solidify his control, propel national development, and continue building his legacy. It’s not every day that one gets to run a country with such a weak opposition to contend with,” Mliswa said.
Key Takeaways
- Internal Divisions in ZANU-PF: The ruling party faces significant internal conflicts that could hinder its effectiveness.
- Opposition Fragmentation: The CCC has struggled to maintain unity after Chamisa’s departure, leading to a lack of clear leadership.
- Call for Leadership Action: Mliswa urges Mnangagwa to take decisive steps to unify ZANU-PF and address internal issues.
- Opportunity for Development: With a weakened opposition, there is a chance for ZANU-PF to focus on national development and strengthen its position.