HARARE – The simmering factionalism within Zanu-PF has erupted once again, this time fuelled by the controversial bid for readmission by former youth leader Jim Kunaka. His application has sent tremors through the ruling party, with provincial members expressing deep concerns over his potential return and the implications it holds for President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s leadership, New Zimbabwe has reported.
Kunaka, once a formidable figure within Zanu-PF, wielded considerable influence during his tenure as head of the Chipangano militia group, a notorious force associated with violence and intimidation. His expulsion in 2014 marked a significant shift in the party’s power dynamics, and his subsequent foray into opposition politics further alienated him from the ruling party.
However, his recent application for readmission has reignited old wounds and triggered a fierce debate within Zanu-PF. According to minutes leaked from a Zanu-PF Provincial Coordination Committee (PCC) meeting, Kunaka’s return has been met with strong opposition, with members expressing deep anxieties about his potential influence and the threat he poses to Mnangagwa’s hold on power.
The minutes, signed by Harare PCC chairperson Godwills Masimirembwa, reveal a tense atmosphere during the meeting, with members voicing concerns about Kunaka’s past actions and his alleged links to exiled former party bigwig Saviour Kasukuwere.
“All of you here do not know Jim Kunaka as well as I do; All the suspended members whose Prohibition Orders were lifted by the National Disciplinary Committee were being set up (by who?). Members of the Harare PCC and specifically Central Committee and Politburo members and those surrounding the President are working with Kasukuwere with intentions of harming the President and that she knows those people by name,” stated the minutes, quoting Harare PCC chairwoman Ratidzo Mukarati.
Mukarati’s remarks, as recorded in the minutes, paint a picture of deep mistrust and paranoia within the party, with accusations of clandestine plots and a perceived threat to Mnangagwa’s leadership. She went further to claim that she knew the individuals involved in these alleged plots and was prepared to expose them to the President.
Kunaka’s request for readmission was ultimately denied, but the incident has highlighted the deep-seated divisions within Zanu-PF and the fragility of Mnangagwa’s grip on power. The party is currently grappling with a complex web of factionalism, with various power blocs vying for influence and control.
The Masvingo province, dominated by Karanga-speaking members of Zanu-PF, has openly expressed support for Mnangagwa extending his tenure beyond the constitutionally mandated two terms. Meanwhile, a faction led by war veterans is pushing for Mnangagwa to step down and pave the way for his deputy, Constantino Chiwenga.
The return of Jim Kunaka, a figure steeped in controversy and associated with violence, could further destabilise the party and exacerbate the existing power struggles. His potential influence, combined with his perceived links to Kasukuwere, has fuelled fears of a potential coup against Mnangagwa.
