Harare – Despite posting zero profits from its business units, the ruling ZANU PF party has reportedly spent nearly US$50,000 on its Herbert Chitepo School of Ideology workshops. This initiative, seen as a requirement for employment in the civil service, has raised eyebrows among many Zimbabweans.
The party’s push for citizens to attend the ideology school is part of a broader agenda to instil its narrative on Zimbabwe’s history. Recently, councillors from various municipalities were reportedly compelled to attend these workshops, with local governments directed to finance their participation.
According to a ZANU PF central committee report presented at the party’s annual conference in Bulawayo in October, the ruling party has been grappling with poor performance from its business ventures. The report stated, “The party did not receive any dividend from party investments during the current financial year.”
This financial strain is attributed to several factors, including the adverse effects of the El Niño-induced drought. The report highlighted, “This year, the party has been operating under a difficult financial situation due to the negative effects of the El Niño-induced drought.” Despite these challenges, the party claims to have mobilised financial resources to support its initiatives.
The financial details revealed in the report show that ZANU PF allocated US$49,568 to the School of Ideology, while it spent US$2.7 million on salaries. The party’s income from various sources included ZiG 13,493 and US$77,817 from membership and subscription fees, along with ZiG 47,883,500 under the Political Parties Finances Act. Additionally, ZANU PF received US$8.1 million through donations.
While the party’s income appears substantial, its expenditures were notably high, totalling US$6.5 million and ZiG 10,578,189. The report detailed various spending categories, including US$21,768 on the council of elders, US$27,000 on disciplinary committee meetings, and US$57,101 on refreshments, travel, and accommodation for the administrative department.
Significantly, US$708,000 was used for a restructuring exercise, and US$496,000 was spent on external relations. Noteworthily, the party allocated US$33,000 for propaganda and US$22,000 for bank charges, in addition to US$26,000 on DSTV subscriptions.
In response to its financial hurdles, ZANU PF established a fundraising committee aimed at boosting its resources. Chaired by businessman Phillip Chiyangwa, the committee includes members such as gold dealer Scott Sakupwanya, youth deputy secretary John Paradza, Supa Mandiwanzira, Vetty Kaseke, and Patience Tapomwa. The report highlighted, “The fundraising committee is doing some sterling fundraising efforts towards funding party programmes inclusive of the national people’s conference.”
President Emmerson Mnangagwa, who once oversaw the decline of the ZANU PF business empire during his tenure as party treasurer-general and secretary for administration, now faces growing scrutiny regarding the party’s financial management.
Despite the ongoing financial struggles, ZANU PF has continued to make significant expenditures, including the purchase of luxury vehicles, which has sparked criticism from various quarters. Observers question the priorities of a party struggling to maintain profitability in its business units while simultaneously investing heavily in high-end cars and propaganda efforts.
As ZANU PF navigates these financial challenges, its focus on ideological training and propaganda raises concerns about the party’s long-term sustainability and commitment to addressing the pressing issues facing Zimbabweans today.
