Political Reporter

ZAPU has hit hard times amid reports that the party is about to be chucked out from its rented offices in Bulawayo for failing to settle its rental obligations.

A source who spoke to this publication said that party has been warned to settle all rental arrears this month all risky being thrown out of the building.

The notice of eviction has prompted that party’s National Treasurer Mark Nzula Mbayiwa to urgently appeal to all Provincial Treasurers to remit finances to the party’s headquarters.

“This is an urgent appeal for office rent. We are very much in arrears. This is further exacerbated by the interest charged on the overdue amount each month. May we as Provinces try to remit the agreed monthly financial obligation,” reads part of Mbayiwa’s letter directed to Provincial Treasurers.

The source further said that the party is facing financial crisis due to the subdued subscriptions caused by a dwindling membership base.

“Our party coffers are almost dry due to low subscriptions. Very few people are paying subscription fees to the party. This has affected party operations as the large chunk of the party’s finances used to come from subscriptions," said the source.

Meanwhile, the same source revealed that besides the financial, the party has also been riddled by factionalism that is threatening to tear it apart.

According to the source, the factionalism in the party has caused the unconstitutional suspension of the National Organizing Secretary, Derek Katsenga.

“Factionalism is rife in the party and if it’s not tamed, it might destroy the party. The party is currently divided into two halves pitting the Ndebele and the Shona. This has prompted the suspension of the National Organizing Secretary, Derek Katsenga, as other party members feel that the post must be occupied by a Ndebele speaking person. This talk of Katsenga being suspended for causing chaos in the party are just lies,” said the source.

The same source said there is a possibility that the party elective congress due this month can be postponed as the party is facing financial and factionalism challenges.

ZAPU is expected to hold their elective congress on 230 April 2021 at Bulawayo Amphitheatre to elect a substantive president following the death of Dumiso Dabengwa some two years ago.