HARARE – Zimbabwe’s political landscape has witnessed yet another unexpected twist as a member of the ruling party, Zanu PF, has written to the Speaker of the National Assembly, Jacob Mudenda, requesting the recall of 70 Members of Parliament (MPs).
This development closely follows the opposition Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC), which saw its 15 MPs and 17 councillors recalled based on a letter sent to Parliament by Sengezo Tshabangu, who claims to be the CCC’s interim secretary-general.
Speaker Mudenda, who is also a member of Zanu PF’s politburo, acted swiftly to implement the recalls, despite protests from the CCC, which disowned Tshabangu.
In the Zanu PF case, the latest twist occurred on October 12, 2023, when Mudenda received a letter from Tafadzwa Manyika, who claims to be the interim secretary-general of Zanu PF.
Manyika’s letter advised that the affected 70 legislators had ceased to be members of the party, even though Zanu PF does not have the official position of secretary-general.
Party’s secretary for administration Obert Mpofu technically acts as the secretary general based on the role of his position.
Zanu PF spokesperson Christopher Mutsvangwa was unavailable for comment at the time of reporting.
Among the targeted Zanu PF legislators are prominent figures such as Barbara Rwodzi (Chirumanzu South), July Moyo (Redcliff), Vangelis Peter Haritatos (Muzvezve), Farai Jere (Murehwa West), Winston Chitando (Gutu Central), Tongai Mafidi Mnangagwa (Hunyani), Jenfan Muswere (Makoni West), Polite Kambamura (Sanyati), Owen Ncube (Gokwe Kana), and Paul Mavhima (Gokwe Sengwa), among others.
This ongoing political turmoil in Zimbabwe continues to raise questions about the authenticity of such recalls and the role of the Speaker in implementing them.
It underscores the need for clearer and more transparent procedures in managing parliamentary memberships in the country.
The situation also underscores the internal conflicts and complexities within both the ruling party and the opposition, adding to the nation’s political uncertainty.
