Chaos Erupts in ZANU-PF Over Paul Tungwarara’s Central Committee Bid

The ZANU-PF party is reportedly facing an unprecedented internal crisis after the Manicaland Provincial leadership defied directives to withdraw or nullify the controversial nomination of Paul Tungwarara to the Central Committee.

Key Stories

  • Beitbridge Border Crisis: The border post is experiencing massive delays, with travelers struggling to pass the border in less than 12 hours due to bottlenecks in the Temporary Import Permit (TIP) process and general inefficiency by ZIMRA and Customs officials.

  • ZANU-PF Implosion: ZANU-PF is reportedly imploding with confusion in Chipinge after the Manicaland province defiantly renominated Paul Tungwarara to the Central Committee, going against directives from the party’s Secretary for Administration, Patrick Chinamasa, and Political Bureau.

  • Musician’s High-Profile Wedding: A highly anticipated wedding of Maskandi star Khuzani Indlamlenze Mpungose is taking place in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.

  • Gold Smuggling Arrests: Four individuals, including two Zimbabweans and three Mozambicans, were arrested on the N12 in South Africa for attempting to smuggle unprocessed gold ore valued at $800,000.

  • Kevin Kaindu Joins Hardrock FC: Former Dynamos coach Kevin Kaindu has been appointed as the new head coach of Castle Premier League debutantes, Hardrock FC, having previously led a relegated team to a 16-game unbeaten streak.

  • Nelson Chamisa’s Return: Opposition leader Nelson Chamisa has reappeared publicly after a two-year absence, giving a long-ranging speech where he addressed speculation about his whereabouts and asserted that he would never be bought by ZANU-PF.

The most action-packed story unfolding in Southern Africa is the internal disarray gripping the ruling ZANU-PF party in Zimbabwe. The situation is centered around the Manicaland province, specifically Chipinge, where the local party structures have directly challenged the national leadership by insisting on the co-option of Paul Tungwarara into the Central Committee. Tungwarara, who is reportedly an advisor to President Emmerson Mnangagwa, was re-nominated last night after previous directives were issued to withdraw or nullify his entry. This defiance, which includes rejecting a letter from the party’s Secretary for Finance, Patrick Machacha, suggests a deep internal rift, with some members seemingly willing to fight against the Politburo’s advice.

Separately, the Beitbridge border post, a crucial transit point for Zimbabweans traveling home, has descended into chaos with queues for the Temporary Import Permit (TIP) process extending beyond 12 hours for some travelers. The bottleneck is attributed to severe inefficiency by ZIMRA and Customs officials. Travelers are advised to use the Plumtree border as an alternative. This situation highlights the perennial struggles with infrastructure and bureaucracy during the busy holiday travel period.

Other news includes a high-profile cultural event in South Africa, the wedding of Maskandi star Khuzani Indlamlenze Mpungose in KwaZulu-Natal. On the crime front, gold smuggling continues to be a major concern, evidenced by the arrest of four individuals on the N12 in South Africa transporting gold ore worth an estimated $800,000. The possession of gold ore is now banned in Zimbabwe, highlighting the seriousness of the issue.

Conclusion

  • ZANU-PF Crisis: The ZANU-PF leadership must urgently address the Manicaland defiance to prevent further implosion and loss of internal discipline.

  • Border Intervention: Authorities in Zimbabwe and South Africa should implement emergency measures to alleviate the inhumane conditions and massive delays at the Beitbridge border post.

  • Opposition Re-engagement: Nelson Chamisa’s return signals a potential re-entry into the political arena, but his next move and the ability to mobilize support remain key questions.

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