THE expulsion of outspoken war veteran Blessed Geza from Zanu PF has laid bare the deepening factionalism within the ruling party, as President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s loyalists intensify their push for his term extension beyond 2028.
Geza, alongside several other party members, was sacked last week for alleged factionalism, indiscipline and undermining Mnangagwa’s authority. Several others were suspended over similar accusations.
Last month, flanked by a group of war veterans, Geza openly challenged Mnangagwa to step down, accusing him of corruption, misgovernance and nepotism.
His remarks came at a time when the government is struggling to contain an intractable economic crisis, exacerbated by a US$21 billion debt burden and currency volatility.
Geza’s scathing attack on Mnangagwa’s leadership was partly triggered by an ongoing push within Zanu PF to extend the President’s term beyond 2028.
Last year, the party resolved at its annual conference to prolong Mnangagwa’s tenure to 2030. Mnangagwa has repeatedly declared he has no intention of serving beyond 2028, which marks the end of his last constitutional term.
The expelled war veteran, who was also a Zanu PF central committee member, has been placed on the police wanted list for allegedly undermining the President’s authority. His expulsion has sparked further controversy, particularly as a faction supporting Mnangagwa’s deputy, Constantino Chiwenga voluntary supporters, has emerged calling for the President to step down.
The unfolding political turmoil echoes the 2017 power struggles within Zanu PF, when Mnangagwa was expelled from government and the party at the height of factional tensions.
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Backed by Chiwenga and the military, Mnangagwa countered by orchestrating a coup that toppled long-time leader the late Robert Mugabe in November 2017. Upon assuming power, he purged Mugabe’s loyalists from both the government and the party.
Historically, Zanu PF has resorted to expulsions as a mechanism to silence internal dissent and navigate its longstanding succession challenges.
Notable figures expelled under Mnangagwa’s rule, who have since gone into exile, include former cabinet ministers Jonathan Moyo, Walter Mzembi and Saviour Kasukuwere.
The use of purges to consolidate power has long been a feature of Zanu PF’s internal politics. In 2015, a faction loyal to Mnangagwa collaborated with Mugabe’s allies to oust Zimbabwe’s first female vice-president, Joice Mujuru and her associates, who were accused of plotting to take over from the ageing leader.
Mujuru, the widow of the late General Solomon Mujuru — once regarded as a key power broker within the party — had been seen as a potential successor to Mugabe before her expulsion.
Tshwane University public affairs associate professor Ricky Mukonza argues that Geza’s expulsion aligns with Zanu PF’s historical pattern of suppressing dissent when confronted with leadership disputes.
“Zanu PF, under Mnangagwa, mirrors the Zanu PF of Mugabe (during his last days in office). The party is very averse to criticism,” Mukonza said. “It always goes to extremes when it feels its power is under threat. The party appears not to have developed internal mechanisms to deal with some of these difficult issues. Indeed, the expulsions, including that of Geza, were a response by those, who are backing Mnangagwa’s bid to extend his time in office.
“They may have felt aggrieved by Geza’s utterances, as well as the fact that they have not managed to apprehend him; thus, expelling him is compensation of some sort.”
By glossing over grievances and diverse political opinions through expulsions, Zanu PF has exposed itself to further fissures, he said.
“Expelling Geza is going to widen the rift between the two factions in Zanu PF. It will be interesting to see the next move from the Chiwenga faction,” he added.
Another political analyst, Reuben Mbofana, contended that Geza’s expulsion underscores the internecine battles crippling the party, particularly those related to Mnangagwa’s succession.
“The expulsion of Geza must be viewed within the broader factional battles within Zanu PF, particularly the push by some elements to extend President Mnangagwa’s tenure beyond 2028,” Mbofana said. “The move fits a broader pattern of internal purges targeting those who are perceived as obstacles to Mnangagwa’s extended rule.
“Zanu PF has a history of dealing ruthlessly with internal dissent, particularly against those who question or oppose the leadership’s long-term political strategies.
“(Geza’s) expulsion could have been engineered to consolidate Mnangagwa’s control over the party.”
He warned that the move could intensify factional hostilities, as Mnangagwa’s supporters face off against Chiwenga loyalists.
“Expelling Geza could have several consequences, both internally within Zanu PF and in the broader political landscape,” Mbofana said.
“His removal could deepen internal divisions, especially if he had backing from key figures within the party. It might further expose and escalate the factional battles between those who support Mnangagwa’s extended rule and those who oppose it, particularly the faction aligned with Vice-President Constantino Chiwenga.”
Factional struggles have plagued Zanu PF since Independence, with early signs of internal discord emerging in 1988 when the party expelled the late Edgar Tekere.
Tekere, a key Mugabe ally, was dismissed for indiscipline after openly criticising rising corruption in Zimbabwe. He remained an outspoken critic of Mugabe’s rule until his death in 2011. In 1990, he formed the Zimbabwe Unity Movement, one of the earliest opposition parties challenging Zanu PF’s dominance.
