…as 2023 independent candidate Vhengere seeks to contest under ruling party ticket
By Beverly Bizeki
A fierce contest is brewing within Zanu PF as five candidates vie for the vacant Gutu East parliamentary seat ahead of the party’s primary elections. The seat fell vacant after the Zanu PF legislator Benjamin Ganyiwa was early this year expelled from Zanu PF for alleged disloyalty, which included holding unsanctioned meetings and participating in a WhatsApp group that criticized leadership. He was also accused of fostering factionalism by engaging with individuals beyond the district and name-dropping senior party leaders.
The Zanu PF primary election race features a mix of seasoned politicians and new contenders, all eager to secure the seat. The candidates interested in competing in the Zanu PF primaries include Kudzayi Mashuro, Charles Munganasa, George Vhengere, Zvarevashe Masvingise, and another candidate identified as Zimhunga.
Both Mashuro and Vhengere participated in the 2023 party primaries, which resulted in Ganyiwa being selected as the Zanu PF candidate. Vhengere subsequently ran as an independent in the general elections but unfortunately lost to Ganyiwa. Now, Vhengere is back, seeking to contest under the Zanu PF ticket. However, it remains uncertain whether the ruling party will allow him to participate in its primaries, as party rules state that anyone who runs as an independent automatically expels oneself from the party.
Munganasa, a new face in the race, currently serves as the Zanu PF Masvingo Province Youth League Secretary for Administration and is a former CEO of ZBC. His position within the party may work to his advantage, especially in appealing to the youth in the constituency. Speaking to
TellZim News, Munganasa expressed his readiness to contest if given the mandate, emphasizing his confidence in his leadership abilities.
“Zanu PF has protocols and procedures we must observe. We are yet to submit our CVs for the primaries. However, if the people ask you to lead, you must heed their call. If the people send me, Handina kufanana naMoses aikakama, ndinoenda (I am not like Moses who stammered; I will go),” said Munganasa.
Mashuro, another aspirant, lost to Ganyiwa in the 2023 Zanu PF primaries. In 2018, he stepped aside for Beritha Chikwama. Mashuro reaffirmed his interest in contesting for the Gutu East by-election and expressed hope for victory.
“I am still interested in contesting for the Gutu East by-election. I am hopeful that I will win,” Mashuro stated.
However, Mashuro’s lack of popularity within party structures, compared to Munganasa, could be a significant disadvantage. He appeared during the lead-up to the 2023 elections but then went silent until resurfacing for the by-election.
Ward 14 Councilor Zvarevashe Masvingise is also eyeing the seat but has remained tight-lipped about his intentions, stating he would provide an update when appropriate.
“I cannot comment on the matter now, as I am not allowed to speak to the press, but I will provide an update when the time is right,” Masvingise said.
Masvingise may have the advantage of being a ward councilor, as he is frequently present in the area, which could translate into local support.
Another candidate with past popularity is Vhengere. His support base grew in 2023, but he was ill-advised to run as an independent, which led to his expulsion from the party. If he is granted permission to contest under the Zanu PF banner, it would mark a significant departure from party norms.
Vhengere allegedly won the Zanu PF primaries before the 2023 elections, but the party disqualified him due to procedural issues regarding his membership transfer from Manicaland Province. His actions not only sparked controversy but also exposed factionalism within Zanu PF, raising concerns about vote splitting in the constituency and deepening the rift between him and the party.
As the by-election approaches, the Zanu PF primaries are expected to be highly competitive, with each candidate working to secure party support in a politically charged environment.
