Political Reporter
In a move widely seen as a desperate bid to regain fading political relevance, Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ) leader, Obert Masaraure, has announced the formation of a new political party, the Zimbabwe Communist Party (ZCP).
The announcement comes amid Masaraure’s dwindling influence in labour activism and opposition politics, raising suspicions that the new party is merely a ploy to attract donor funding rather than a genuine political movement.
Masaraure framed the ZCP as a solution to what he called "decades of systemic injustice, economic stagnation, and human rights abuses" under the Zimbabwean Government.
He accused authorities of eroding democratic institutions, suppressing workers’ rights, and presiding over economic decline.
His manifesto includes demands for a "national democratic economy", land redistribution, and resistance to foreign influence—a rehash of the old rhetoric with little practical grounding.
Observers note that Masaraure’s political ambitions coincide with his declining stature in ARTUZ, a union that has failed to galvanise meaningful support among rural teachers.
Political commentator, Tendai Moyo, said that with opposition politics in Zimbabwe in disarray, Masaraure appears to be exploiting the vacuum to position himself as a new face of dissent.
"Masaraure has a history of shifting stances to suit his personal agenda. This new party is less about ideology and more about securing funding and media attention. His previous attempts at activism have yielded little tangible benefit for the workers he claims to represent," said Moyo.
Another commentator, Calvin Chitsunge, argued that the ZCP might be a thinly veiled scheme to attract foreign donor money, a common tactic among fringe opposition figures seeking financial sustenance rather than genuine political change.
"Masaraure has no grassroots support, no clear policy direction, and no history of Marxist advocacy. This is purely a fundraising exercise disguised as a political movement,” said Chitsunge.
“Masaraure is also mooting orchestrating a series of subversive "street tribunals" aimed at tarnishing President Mnangagwa's administration. He wants to mobilise resources to conduct illegal public gatherings where he would incite citizens to make inflammatory statements against the Government,” added Chitsunge.
Masaraure’s rhetoric may even fail to appeal to the small section of disillusioned activists, and analysts agree that the ZCP poses no significant challenges to the ruling ZANU PF.
Instead, it serves as yet another platform for Masaraure to recycle anti-Government grievances without offering viable alternatives.
"Zimbabweans are tired of opposition figures who emerge with grand manifestos but fail to deliver. Masaraure’s new party, and his street tribunals, are definitely not going to gain traction beyond social media theatrics," said political commentator Grace Ndoro.
As Zimbabwe moves forward, the public remains wary of recycled rhetoric and hollow activism.
Masaraure’s new party may generate fleeting headlines, but without substance, it is destined to fade into obscurity—just like many of its predecessors.
