By Tinotenda Hove

Taurai Kandishaya, a prominent official within the Zanu PF Youth League, has recently asserted that there is no infighting within the ruling party, despite ongoing signs of internal instability. Kandishaya’s comments, which were made on social media, come amid growing divisions within the party regarding the country’s political future, particularly the leadership of President Emmerson Mnangagwa.

Zanu PF, Zimbabwe’s long-standing ruling party, is currently experiencing a sharp divide over the direction it should take toward the 2030 agenda. On one side, President Mnangagwa’s loyalists are advocating for his continuation in power, pressing for a third term. On the other hand, there is a faction that is calling for Mnangagwa to step down immediately, fueling a sense of discontent and power struggles within the party.

Despite these visible cracks in the party’s unity, Kandishaya has maintained that the situation within Zanu PF is under control. He took to Facebook on Tuesday to downplay the notion of any internal strife, stating: “Kana Mukaona setirikurwa muparty medu musapindire. Tetichitotsvaga zvedu vanhu vekukwatura, hakirosi hatijaidze hedu. Hanti mukuona manje kuti sazita mukati umwe sazita kunze zvake.”

Translating loosely, Kandishaya’s statement suggests that outsiders should refrain from interfering in what he describes as the party’s internal affairs, implying that the party is perfectly capable of addressing its issues without external influence. He also referenced a sense of unity within the party, suggesting that people should not misinterpret the situation.

However, many political analysts and observers view this claim with skepticism, as there is no denying the visible signs of division in the party. The contest over Mnangagwa’s leadership has become more pronounced, with significant factions emerging, each with differing views on the president’s tenure and the party’s future direction. This situation has raised concerns about the broader stability of Zanu PF as it moves closer to the 2023 and 2028 elections, with speculation about who will lead the party in 2030 already causing tensions.

Kandishaya’s insistence on the absence of infighting can be seen as an attempt to project confidence in Zanu PF’s cohesion, especially in the face of mounting public scrutiny. It also appears to be an effort to pacify party members and the electorate, suggesting