Zanu-PF’s 2024 central committee report reveals plans for a significant expansion of its vehicle fleet, raising eyebrows given Zimbabwe’s struggling economy and widespread poverty.
The ruling party intends to acquire 174 new twin and single-cab vehicles, adding to its existing fleet of over 300. This extravagant purchase comes at a time when many Zimbabweans are facing severe economic hardship.
“The department of transport and social welfare submitted budgets for the acquisition of 175 new motor vehicles to the office of the secretary general for further perusal and action,” the report states.
“This acquisition will complement the current fleet and will go a long way in covering outstanding allocations to politburo members, members of the council of elders, party directors, senior party officials, provincial and district coordinating committee offices.”
The planned acquisition is not the party’s first foray into large-scale vehicle purchases. Ahead of the disputed August 2023 general elections, Zanu-PF reportedly spent a staggering US$200 million on hundreds of vehicles, including at least 210 all-terrain vehicles distributed to parliamentary election candidates. The source of this funding remains shrouded in mystery, particularly given the party’s acknowledged financial difficulties.
The report also outlines a plan to reallocate existing vehicles. “Reallocation of 54 recalled 2023 constituency vehicles to cover urgent motor vehicle requests by provinces, provincial party administration, women’s league, youth league, war veterans league and members of parliament who won during the by-elections that were held between November 2023 and February 2024 (will be done),” the report explains.
These by-elections, triggered by the recall of Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) lawmakers and councillors by self-styled party secretary-general Sengezo Tshabangu, resulted in Zanu-PF regaining a two-thirds majority in parliament.
The report further reveals that Zanu-PF plans to dispose of a considerable number of its existing vehicles. “A total of 498 party vehicles were recommended for disposal,” the central committee report added. “The recommendation enlisted 483 party vehicles that were acquired between 2017 and 2018 as well as 15 Isuzu double cab vehicles that the party treasury acquired in 2019.”
The report provides a detailed history of Zanu-PF’s vehicle acquisitions. It notes that the party’s fleet has grown significantly since 2017, when it possessed only 45 vehicles. By 2018, this number had increased to 486 following the acquisition of 438 new vehicles. Further additions included 15 Isuzu double-cab vehicles in 2020, bringing the total to 501.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s donation of 30 double-cab vehicles between December 2021 and September 2022 swelled the fleet to 531. The party also received additional vehicles throughout 2023, as it intensified its election campaign efforts.
The report also notes that between October 2022 and August 2023, the party took delivery of 264 vehicles, with an additional 19 vehicles—including five luxury SUVs—received this year and allocated to politburo members, the Council of Elders and the Youth League. This implies that currently, Zanu PF owns over 800 vehicles.
