Jim Kunaka, a former Zanu PF youth leader, is attempting to rejoin the ruling party. This decision has ignited significant internal conflicts within Zanu PF, reminiscent of the political turmoil that took place during Robert Mugabe’s time in office. Kunaka’s request has heightened tensions and led to threats of exposing alleged collaborators who are working to remove current President Emmerson Mnangagwa from power.
During a Provincial Coordination Committee (PCC) meeting, leaked minutes from an X account linked to liberation war veterans’ children revealed the depth of the discord. Kunaka, once a powerful figure as the head of the Mbare-based Chipangano militia, is now seen as a serious threat to party unity. He was expelled from Zanu PF in 2014 amid factional battles involving former Vice President Joice Mujuru and later accused the party of using him to incite violence against opposition supporters.
The leaked minutes, signed by Harare PCC chairperson Godwills Masimirembwa, suggest that readmitting Kunaka would jeopardize national security. Kunaka stands accused of collaborating with exiled former party leader Saviour Kasukuwere to destabilize Zanu PF and undermine Mnangagwa’s leadership.
Ratidzo Mukarati, in the minutes dated July 23, accused members of the party’s Politburo, Central Committee, and Presidium of threatening national security and Mnangagwa’s position. “During deliberations on Item 4 of the meeting’s Agenda, which dealt with the application for readmission of two Comrades; Jim Kunaka and Terrence Khumbula, the Provincial Chairwoman made the following utterances that were deemed distasteful, malicious, reckless, and highly divisive,” read the document.
“She claimed that members of the Harare PCC, specifically Central Committee and Politburo members, were collaborating with Kasukuwere to harm the President,” Mukarati noted. These accusations underscore the deep divisions within the party, as senior officials vie for power in a post-Mnangagwa era.
Kunaka’s request for readmission was ultimately denied, further highlighting the factionalism plaguing Zanu PF. The party remains deeply divided as senior officials jockey for position and influence. A faction, predominantly Karanga-speaking members from Masvingo, supports Mnangagwa’s potential unconstitutional bid for a third term. In contrast, war veterans lead a faction urging Mnangagwa to step down in favor of his deputy, Constantino Chiwenga.
The ongoing strife reflects broader struggles within Zanu PF as it grapples with leadership and succession issues. Kunaka’s controversial past, including his confession of being used to perpetrate violence and his accusations against the military, adds complexity to the current political landscape.
As Zanu PF navigates these turbulent waters, the battle for control and direction intensifies. The stakes are high, with implications for national security and political stability. The party’s future hinges on resolving these internal conflicts and addressing the grievances and ambitions of its members.
Jim Kunaka’s bid for readmission to Zanu PF has ignited a fierce factional storm, exposing deep-seated divisions and power struggles within the party. As senior officials maneuver for position, the party faces significant challenges in maintaining unity and stability. The outcome of these internal battles will shape the future of Zanu PF and the political landscape of Zimbabwe.
Source: New Zimbabwe
