Political Reporter
Former Chiredzi Mayor Gibson Hwende, who was previously aligned with the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC), has announced his defection to the ruling ZANU PF party, describing the opposition as "dead."
Hwende made the announcement at a ZANU PF gathering in Chiredzi last weekend, where he expressed his admiration for the developmental strides taken by ZANU PF under the leadership of President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
Speaking passionately about his decision, Hwende stated, “President Mnangagwa is a listening President, and he has inspired me a lot. I have witnessed a lot of developments done by him in a short period of time. It's sheer madness to continue being in opposition and not appreciating the good works being done by President Mnangagwa.”
Hwende emphasised that he saw no value in remaining in the opposition, urging other opposition members to join ZANU PF rather than opposing for the sake of it.
“I don’t have any bad blood with those in the opposition, including Chamisa, but the truth is that opposition yadhakwa (the opposition is dead). A wise man would do the right thing and abandon the sinking opposition ship,” Hwende added.
Hwende's defection is part of a broader trend in Chiredzi, where several opposition members have been swayed by the positive direction ZANU PF is taking.
Many have cited President Mnangagwa's leadership as the primary reason for their defection, praising the developments they have seen since he took office.
Since 2017, numerous high-profile opposition figures, including Lilian Timveous, Obert Gutu, Blessing Chebundo, and Collins Tsvangirai, among others, have crossed the floor to join ZANU PF.
The ruling party's appeal has been attributed to what defectors describe as tangible improvements in governance and development.
President Mnangagwa has frequently welcomed these defections, reinforcing his inclusive stance with the slogan, “ZANU PF ihomwe inokwana munhu wese” (ZANU PF is a bag that is big enough to accommodate everyone).
He has consistently encouraged ZANU PF members to embrace those who choose to return to the party, emphasising unity and the importance of working together for the country's progress.
Political analyst Calvin Chitsunge commented on Hwende's defection, stating, "Hwende’s defection is indicative of a larger trend we're observing among opposition members who are increasingly disillusioned with their parties. They are turning to ZANU PF, viewing it as the only viable path forward, especially given the party’s recent developmental agenda under President Mnangagwa’s leadership. This shift signals a critical moment for the opposition, which needs to reassess its strategies and reconnect with its base if it hopes to remain relevant."
Meanwhile, the former Mayor's move is seen as a significant boost for ZANU PF in Chiredzi, where the ruling party continues to consolidate its influence.
