Tinotenda Hove – ZANU PF’s much-publicised embrace of so-called “returnees” is drawing criticism, with detractors arguing that the trend exposes deep-rooted political opportunism rather than genuine unity or principle.

Party members who previously abandoned ZANU PF for opposition formations and later returned are now praising the ruling party’s “inclusive approach,” claiming it has opened doors for them to occupy influential positions and participate in national development.

However, critics say the narrative masks a pattern of self-serving political manoeuvring driven by personal ambition and electoral defeat.

Among the returnees is ZANU PF’s Chegutu Ward 1 by-election candidate, Cde Gift Konjana, who is contesting the poll scheduled for February 21. Konjana has portrayed his return to the ruling party as evidence that ZANU PF “practises what it preaches on unity and inclusivity.”

Yet Konjana’s political history tells a different story. He previously stood as a parliamentary candidate for Chegutu West under the MDC-Alliance in 2018 and later under the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) in the 2023 harmonised elections. Only after losing in the 2023 polls did he rejoin ZANU PF, a move critics say was motivated less by ideology and more by political survival.

The Ward 1 by-election was triggered by the death of CCC councillor Kempton Mukombwa in December last year following a mine shaft collapse at Bluerock Mine, a tragedy that itself highlighted ongoing governance and safety failures. Observers argue that turning such a by-election into a platform for recycling defeated politicians undermines voters’ trust.

Speaking at Kaguvi Shopping Centre on Sunday during the launch of his campaign, Konjana said his return to ZANU PF was a “deliberate decision driven by the party’s development-oriented agenda.” He also claimed that being given the Ward 1 candidature had strengthened his resolve to address service delivery problems such as water shortages and sewage challenges.

However, residents and critics question why such commitment only surfaced after repeated electoral losses elsewhere. They argue that ZANU PF’s readiness to reward returnees with candidatures fuels perceptions that loyalty and consistency matter less than convenience, further eroding public confidence in the political system.

As the by-election approaches, the growing list of defectors-turned-candidates is likely to intensify debate over whether ZANU PF’s inclusivity is genuine national unity—or simply a revolving door for politicians seeking relevance at any cost.