HARARE – A storm is brewing within the ranks of the Forever Associates Zimbabwe (FAZ), the controversial Zanu PF affiliate group that played a pivotal role in the disputed 2023 elections. Whispers of internal strife and accusations of spying have sent tremors through the organisation, raising questions about its future and the role it will play in Zimbabwean politics, the Newsday has reported.
In a letter addressed to his inner circle, FAZ president Kudakwashe Munsaka, a man known for his unwavering loyalty to the ruling party, has accused some members of engaging in clandestine activities, “employed to spy and surveil the organisation’s activities.”
“I am aware of the presence of individuals who have been employed to engage in surveillance of our activities,” Munsaka wrote, his words dripping with a mixture of suspicion and disappointment. “It is important to note that such actions are not only unethical, but also detrimental to the long-term well-being of those involved.”
Munsaka’s letter, which has since been leaked, paints a picture of a group fractured by mistrust and suspicion. He warns against the dangers of internal betrayal, suggesting that those involved in spying are motivated by short-term gains at the expense of their own future and the future of their children.
“While the immediate financial incentive may seem appealing, it is essential to recognise the potential consequences of betraying the future prospects of one’s own children,” he wrote, his words laced with a sense of moral urgency.
Munsaka’s letter also reveals a deeper concern, a fear that the spying is part of a wider strategy to undermine his leadership. He warns that his adversaries are actively seeking to exploit internal divisions within FAZ, sowing seeds of doubt and discord to destabilize the group.
“Engaging in such activities may be utilised as a means to eliminate me, but it is crucial to consider the long-term implications and the lack of substantial benefit that may be derived from such actions,” he warns, his voice laced with a sense of determination.
Munsaka’s letter is a stark reminder of the internal power struggles that often plague political parties, especially those with a history of authoritarian rule. The accusations of spying and betrayal highlight the deep-seated distrust that can exist within such organizations, where loyalty is often tested and personal ambition can overshadow shared goals.
In a bid to quell the brewing storm, Munsaka has urged his members to focus on unity and shared goals, reminding them of the importance of maintaining a united front against external forces seeking to exploit their internal differences.
“As a team, we should adhere to this resolution and not deviate from it. I urge anyone with similar aspirations to postpone them for the future. We must remain united and prevent external forces from exploiting our internal differences,” he wrote, his words a plea for unity and a warning against the dangers of internal discord.
“Let us not entertain rumours of a change in candidacy. Our team is well-organised and principled and we will not be swayed by unsubstantiated claims,” he added, his voice firm and resolute.
Munsaka’s letter is a clear signal that the internal rift within FAZ is a serious matter, potentially threatening the organization’s ability to function effectively. His call for unity and his warnings against internal betrayal suggest that he is determined to maintain control and steer the group through this turbulent period.
However, the internal strife within FAZ is not just an internal matter. It has wider implications for Zimbabwean politics, given the group’s controversial role in the 2023 elections. FAZ, with its close ties to the Central Intelligence Organisation (CIO), was widely accused of playing a key role in the alleged vote-rigging that marred the elections.
The group’s activities during the elections, including its alleged intimidation of voters and suspected opposition supporters, drew widespread condemnation from both local and international observers. FAZ was also accused of sponsoring double candidates in an effort to scuttle the opposition Citizen Coalition for Change’s chances of winning the polls.
The accusations against FAZ, coupled with the internal strife now engulfing the group, raise serious questions about the organization’s future and its role in Zimbabwean politics. Will FAZ be able to overcome its internal divisions and maintain its influence within Zanu PF? Or will the current crisis lead to its demise, leaving a void in the ruling party’s election machinery?
The answers to these questions remain unclear, but one thing is certain: the internal strife within FAZ is a significant development with potentially far-reaching consequences for Zimbabwean politics.
Further Evidence of CIO Influence
Adding fuel to the fire, a recent report by The Sentry, a non-profit organization that investigates and exposes global corruption and human rights abuses, has provided further evidence of the CIO’s influence over FAZ.
The report reveals that the FAZ trust, set up to help Zanu PF win the 2023 elections, was established by associates and family members of Asher Walter Tapfumaneyi, the deputy director general of the CIO. Both Tapfumaneyi and FAZ deny that the CIO controls the trust.
However, The Sentry provides further details about the past business dealings of Tapfumaneyi and one of FAZ’s trustees that help confirm Zimbabwean media reports about the spy chief’s relationship to the entity.
“In particular, FAZ’s official deeds reveal that its trustees and founders include Tapfumaneyi’s family and associates, including Tangisai Tapera, his key ally and business partner in a past oil deal with Iran. In addition, the main phone number for FAZ was used in the past by a CIO officer, according to a review of several phone apps that reveal the names under which a telephone number has been saved by its contacts in users’ address books, suggesting the involvement of the agency,” the organization published in its report.
“FAZ’s activities—including a large get-out-the-vote operation—may have helped the ruling party win the election. Observers, including the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and European Union (EU) poll monitors, reported FAZ’s presence at thousands of polling stations, where its reported links to ZANU-PF and the security services may have intimidated rural voters. FAZ also spent at least $4 million—a large sum of money in Zimbabwean politics—importing 160 or more Toyota Hilux pickup trucks for ZANU-PF candidates. FAZ declined to comment when asked whether their activities intimidated voters or whether their spending tipped the electoral scales toward ZANU-PF,” the reported added.
The Sentry’s findings, coupled with the internal strife within FAZ, paint a disturbing picture of an organization deeply intertwined with the CIO and operating under a cloud of suspicion. The accusations of spying, coupled with the evidence of the CIO’s influence, raise serious concerns about the integrity of the 2023 elections and the future of democracy in Zimbabwe.
