Zim GBC News | Political Correspondent
Harare – Zanu-PF spokesperson, Christopher Mutsvangwa, has publicly chastised senior party officials for making unauthorized pronouncements, labeling them “excitable members” and reasserting his office as the sole authoritative voice of the ruling party.
The remarks, made during a press briefing in Harare, expose deepening internal tensions over party discipline and communication, fueled by a contentious dispute over the co-option of Presidential investment adviser, Paul Tungwarara, into the party’s central committee.
Mutsvangwa’s comments appeared directed at party commissar Munyaradzai Machacha and treasurer-general Patrick Chinamasa, who had earlier nullified a recommendation from the Manicaland provincial coordinating committee to co-opt Tungwarara.
“On the issuance of statements by the party, the authority rests here,” Mutsvangwa stated, asserting his role.
“As much as possible try to listen to what I say because that is the position of the party. In politics, some people just get excited.”
He emphasized that he consulted widely to ensure journalists received what he termed the “most authoritative position of the party,” dismissing other voices as unofficial.
The Manicaland dispute has highlighted apparent double standards, as critics note that Machacha and Chinamasa did not object to the similar co-option of businessman Kudakwashe Tagwirei into the central committee previously. Both Tungwarara and Tagwirei are not originally from the administrative districts linked to the vacancies they filled.
Addressing the Manicaland issue directly, Mutsvangwa seemed to sideline Machacha’s earlier directive, stating the final decision rested with the politburo. He described Manicaland as the “second most populous province” whose recommendations deserved “due weight.”
“When the politburo says something, I will come back to you,” Mutsvangwa said, effectively putting the matter on hold.
He also warned against internal discord, drawing a line between Zanu-PF and opposition politics.
“In opposition politics, people can throw barbs at each other. We are more seasoned and we do not hope politics will be like that in Zanu-PF,” he cautioned.
The spokesperson also commented on the broader issue of succession within the party, as supporters of President Emmerson Mnangagwa push for a constitutional amendment to extend his term to 2030. While acknowledging natural political ambition, Mutsvangwa stressed adherence to party processes.
“Everyone who comes into politics aspires to be a leader. They can express it within the party, but the party has got resolutions. If your idea loses, you comply with the decision of the majority,” he said.
He dismissed external credentials, stating,
“There are no other attributes than being voted for. You might have a history as a businessman, military credentials or be a leader of traditional healers; these are not the ones that determine who is to be the leader of Zanu-PF.”
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