President Emmerson Mnangagwa has reinstated six social media activists dismissed by Zanu-PF legal secretary Patrick Chinamasa. This intervention increases tensions within the party amid factional divisions pertaining to succession. Musara cited unauthorized dismissals, appealing to Mnangagwa to reverse the decision. The situation raises questions about the president’s political ambitions and party dynamics as power struggles continue.
In Zimbabwe, President Emmerson Mnangagwa has intervened amid an internal dispute within the Zanu-PF party, overturning a decision made by the party’s legal secretary, Patrick Chinamasa, to dismiss six social media activists labelled as “rogue elements.” This intervention escalates existing tensions and exposes factional divisions related to succession politics within the party.
Mnangagwa expressed his disapproval of the dismissals through a handwritten note on an appeal from Jonasi Mandiwisa Musara, one of the dismissed activists. He stated that “the said dismissals are null and void,” signifying his intent to reinstate the activists, who had been promoting his EDWORKS campaign and the party’s interests.
Musara’s appeal included claims of a prior meeting with Mnangagwa, wherein the president clarified that the dismissals were not sanctioned by him. Musara appealed, “We plead with you to reverse the purported dismissals so that we can resume our work of using social media to defend, promote and popularize your remarkable EDWORKS.”
The president’s decision directly undermines Chinamasa’s authority, a significant figure in the Varakashi4ED Social Media Unit, which comprises paid online activists loyal to Mnangagwa. Chinamasa condemned these activists for perceived disrespect towards senior party officials, ultimately leading to their termination.
Among those dismissed were Tinotenda Gachange, Tafadzwa Mawire, Felix Muzondo, Pardon Mangwende, and Herbert Mathe. Gachange criticized Chinamasa on social media, branding the moves against the activists as cowardly and part of a broader attempt to silence supportive voices within the party, stating, “Successionists and rogue anti-2030 elements cloaked in deceit are attempting to silence the voices of progress.”
While President Mnangagwa publicly denies aspirations to exceed his second term, critics speculate he may be encouraging modifications to the constitution to eliminate term limits, potentially enabling an extension of his presidency beyond 2028. The reinstatement of these activists signals ongoing internal conflicts within Zanu-PF, with factions divided over their loyalty to the president versus challenges to his succession.
The president’s recent actions could intensify power struggles, stirring further discussions about Zanu-PF’s future and Mnangagwa’s political ambitions within the context of a divided party grappling with factional tensions.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s intervention to reinstate dismissed social media activists has exposed and exacerbated internal divisions within the Zanu-PF party. The clash between his authority and that of legal secretary Patrick Chinamasa highlights deeper factional struggles linked to succession politics. Speculation regarding potential constitutional amendments to facilitate an extension of Mnangagwa’s presidency also looms large, indicating ongoing strife over leadership and influence within the party.
Original Source: www.thezimbabwemail.com
