Political Reporter

The political life of ZAPU leader, Sibangilizwe Nkomo, is hanging by a thread as some former top officials from that party plot his ouster for allegedly frustrating the growth of that opposition party.

A source who spoke to this publication said that Nkomo was being accused of failing to organise structures to kick-start campaigns ahead of the forthcoming plebiscite.

According to the same source, a ZAPU faction led by former Matabeleland South ZAPU chairman, Matthew Sibanda,was pushing for Nkomo’s ouster arguing that he was never a member of that party.

“Sibanda is the one leading the revolt against Nkomo. He is leading a faction of people who are calling for Nkomo to step down. They are arguing that Nkomo has never been a member of ZAPU besides being the son of the late Joshua Nkomo,” said the source.

The source added that, since taking over the ZAPU presidency from Isaac Mabuka in 2021, Nkomo has done little to grow that party and prepare for this year’s elections. The source further accused Nkomo of being obsessed with factional fights at the expense of the growth of that party.

The same source added that Sibanda and his faction were contemplating forming a splinter group in the event that their plot to oust Nkomo hits a brick wall.

“In the event that Sibanda fails to oust Nkomo, he is planning to form a splinter group. He is being supported by the likes of Ernest Ndlovu, Mildred Mkandla, Strike Mkandla and Akim Nkala. Mkandla is the former secretary-general of the party, Mildred is the former secretary for education and training, Ndlovu was Matabeleland South provincial secretary and Nkala was in the national executive council. These guys have influence over ZAPU structures and if Nkomo is not careful, he will surely lose the party presidency,” added the source.

The source further described Nkomo as a fly-by-night politician who didn’t know the values of ZAPU. He added that ZAPU was poised for a humiliating electoral defeat in the forthcoming elections if Nkomo remains the leader of that party.

Meanwhile, Sibanda’s faction is reportedly plotting to disrupt ZAPU’s star rally set for Gwanda on 1 March 2023.