By Munacho Gwamanda

Zanu PF, Zimbabwe’s ruling party, is set to expel two Members of Parliament linked to Vice President Constantino Chiwenga’s faction, further escalating the ongoing power struggle with President Emmerson Mnangagwa.

Gutu East MP Benjamin Ganyiwa and Chiredzi North MP Roy Bhila are the targeted figures in Mnangagwa’s strategy to consolidate power and eliminate potential challengers ahead of the 2028 elections.

The Masvingo Perspective

The Masvingo Zanu PF provincial leadership has already signaled that Ganyiwa should vacate his seat, paving the way for a by-election. Meetings across various wards, including Chinyika, Mandeya, and Makudo, have informed supporters of Ganyiwa’s dismissal.

However, the official stance from Zanu PF Masvingo Provincial Chairman Rabson Mavhenyengwa claims Ganyiwa is under a 21-day prohibition order pending final disciplinary proceedings.

Charges Leading to Removal

The charges against Ganyiwa include failing to reprimand party supporters attacking leadership in a WhatsApp group, holding unauthorized meetings, and allegedly promoting factionalism.

Bhila, on the other hand, faces three charges, including verbally insulting a party member and allegedly using violence against party rivals.

Background of the Tensions

The rift between Mnangagwa and Chiwenga, which began shortly after the 2017 coup that ousted Robert Mugabe, has deepened over the years.

Chiwenga, a former military general instrumental in Mnangagwa’s ascension to power, has been increasingly sidelined as Mnangagwa strengthens his grip on state institutions and party structures.

Mnangagwa’s push for the #ED2030 agenda—a plan to extend his rule beyond his current term—has faced resistance within the party, especially from the military-backed Chiwenga loyalists.

The Preemptive Purge

The removal of MPs aligned with Chiwenga signals a preemptive move by Mnangagwa to neutralize potential dissent within the party.

These actions coincide with reports of mounting discontent within the Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF), with factions loyal to Chiwenga reportedly growing wary over Mnangagwa’s consolidations.

Coup Speculations Rekindled

The firing of Ganyiwa and Bhila has reignited speculation about the possibility of another coup in Zimbabwe.

While Mnangagwa has weakened Chiwenga’s influence, some high-ranking security officials have privately expressed concerns about the president’s moves.

Unofficial reports suggest Chiwenga’s patience is thinning, fueling fears of a military response similar to the one that led to Mugabe’s downfall.

The Political Climate

Unlike in 2017, Mnangagwa has fortified his grip on intelligence agencies and purged several senior military officers linked to Chiwenga.

However, Zimbabwe’s political landscape remains unpredictable. Escalating tensions within the security sector could lead to further military interventions.

For now, Mnangagwa remains in control, but the ongoing factional battles within Zanu PF suggest that the country’s political situation remains fragile.

Future Moves

The fate of Ganyiwa and Bhila will likely set the tone for future internal party purges, as Mnangagwa seeks to weaken Chiwenga’s base further.

Speculation over Chiwenga’s next move—whether he will continue to play along or take a definitive stance—continues to fuel uncertainty about Zimbabwe’s future.