…As returnees are sent to Chitepo School of Ideology

Staff Reporter

ZANU PF is set to send defecting former Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) members to the Herbert Chitepo School of Ideology to align them with the party's identity, values and ethos.

Speaking in an interview with this publication, ZANU PF Director of Information, Farai Marapira emphasized the importance of ideological alignment for new members.

“It is important for ZANU PF to increase its ranks constantly and the addition of new members is always welcome. However, being a new member in itself is insufficient in the absence of a correction in one’s ideology. It is important that new members go to Chitepo School of Ideology so that they can attune and truly be members through the esteemed school,” said Marapira.

Marapira further elaborated on the necessity for new members to understand the party’s core principles, encapsulated in the term "Gwara Remusangano."

 “ZANU PF is a party which has a clear-cut identity, ethos, and values. These are enshrined in the term 'Gwara Remusangano,' and it is important that one understands these before one can be truly called a member,” he added.

The four former CCC members who defected to ZANU PF on May 18, 2024, are Gift Konjani, former Movement for Democratic Change-Alliance (MDC-A) National Council member; Takalani Matibe, former MDC-Tsvangirai Chegutu West National Assembly member; Virginia Mafuta, former Women's Assembly National Organizing Secretary; and Novel Chitimbe, former MDC-T Chegutu District Assembly Secretary.

In addition to welcoming new members, ZANU PF has initiated a restructuring exercise starting at the grassroots level with party cells and villages. This initiative aims to ensure that all members, regardless of their positions, are registered in the party structures. The restructuring exercise began with Provincial Coordinating Committees' meetings held on May 4 and 5, 2024.

This move underscores ZANU PF’s ongoing efforts to solidify its support base and maintain its ideological coherence amid changing political dynamics.