Political Reporter
Self-exiled politician and former Zanu-PF heavyweight Saviour Kasukuwere is making frantic efforts to remain relevant in Zimbabwe’s political discourse by allegedly paying journalists to grant him media coverage.
Kasukuwere, who has been in South Africa since 2017, is reportedly enlisting the services of journalists from Alpha Media Holdings (AMH), including senior journalist Blessed Mhlanga, to project him as a viable alternative political leader.
A source privy to the developments alleged that Kasukuwere recently flew Mhlanga to South Africa, where he granted him an exclusive interview, expected to be aired soon on AMH’s online platform, Heart & Soul TV.
“Kasukuwere is desperate to stay relevant. He knows his political influence is waning, and his name is fading from national discourse. That’s why he is now resorting to hiring journalists to push his narrative,” the source said.
The source added that the deal between Kasukuwere and certain media practitioners involves a calculated strategy to amplify his presence in Zimbabwean politics.
“He wants to be seen as a strong opposition figure without actually doing the groundwork. The plan is to use platforms like AMH and Heart & Soul TV to maintain visibility and give the impression that he is still a political force,” the source further alleged.
Political commentators, however, have dismissed Kasukuwere’s latest moves as desperate attempts that will not translate into tangible political relevance.
Political analyst Alexio Mandembo said Kasukuwere should accept reality and stop living in denial.
“Kasukuwere’s political moment has passed. He is no longer a factor in Zimbabwe’s political discourse. Instead of clinging to illusions of influence, he should accept that the political terrain has shifted and moved on without him,” Mandembo said.
Another analyst, Tawanda Chipere, echoed similar sentiments, stating that paid media coverage will not revive Kasukuwere’s dwindling political fortunes.
“The problem with Kasukuwere is that he mistakes media presence for political significance. Paying journalists to air his views does not translate to support on the ground. Politics is about structures, mobilisation, and real influence—none of which he currently possesses,” said Chipere.
Despite multiple efforts to get a comment from Mhlanga and AMH, there was no immediate response.
However, Kasukuwere, once a powerful figure within the ruling Zanu-PF Party, has struggled to gain political traction since his self-imposed exile.
His bid to contest the 2023 presidential election was blocked by the courts, further dimming his prospects of a political comeback.
