Tinotenda Hove – The ruling ZANU PF has come under criticism after openly declaring plans to aggressively grow its membership in Harare by exploiting state-backed developmental projects under the so-called Second Republic.

The party’s intentions were laid bare during its first Provincial Coordinating Committee (PCC) meeting of the year held on Sunday, where leaders focused less on governance challenges facing the capital and more on consolidating political support.

ZANU PF Harare Provincial Chairperson Godwills Masimirembwa confirmed that the party is aiming to recruit a staggering one million new members this year, openly linking the drive to government programmes.

“As the ZANU PF party, we are proud to announce our ambitious target of recruiting one million members this year,” said Masimirembwa. “The initiative reflects our commitment to strengthening our organisational base and engaging with citizens across Zimbabwe.”

He went on to praise projects being implemented by President Emmerson Mnangagwa, raising concerns that state resources and development initiatives are being used as political tools rather than as neutral public services. “We are particularly excited about the various initiatives being rolled out by President Emmerson Mnangagwa, aimed at fostering development and improving the quality of life for all Zimbabweans,” he said.

Critics argue that such statements reinforce long-standing fears that ZANU PF views development as a reward for political loyalty, especially in Harare, a city that has consistently rejected the ruling party at the ballot box.

Party leaders also highlighted income-generation and empowerment programmes, again blurring the line between government responsibility and party mobilisation.
“As Harare, we have several income generation initiatives which we are rolling out,” said Harare Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Senator Charles Tawengwa. “Last week, we were in Epworth where our First Lady, Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa engaged with the community and all those programmes assist us.”

While ZANU PF boasts of rolling out empowerment programmes last year, including solar-powered boreholes and the donation of wheelchairs, residents continue to grapple with poor service delivery, water shortages, unemployment and decaying infrastructure in the capital.

Observers say the renewed membership drive suggests the ruling party is more focused on political survival and image management than addressing Harare’s deep-seated social and economic problems, using highly publicised “empowerment” projects to entrench its presence rather than deliver lasting solutions.