WATCH LIVE: POLAD Leaders Join Mnangagwa’s ZANU-PF

POLAD Leaders Join ZANU-PF in Shock Political Shift

The Gambakwe Morning update reports a massive political shakeup in Zimbabwe, as over 15 opposition party leaders from the Political Actors Dialogue (POLAD) have officially joined the ruling ZANU-PF party. This move is seen as a major consolidation of power by President Emmerson Mnangagwa, effectively leaving no significant opposition force outside of the ruling party’s sphere of influence.

• Over 15 opposition political party leaders, including their principals and senior members, reportedly joined ZANU-PF late last night.

• The group was formerly part of the Political Actors Dialogue (POLAD), a platform initiated by President Mnangagwa for political players who contested the 2018 elections.

• This defection includes prominent figures like Lovemore Madhuku, Douglas Mwonzora, and Thokozani Khupe, signaling the demise of their respective opposition movements.

• The announcement was made by Welcome Shumba, who was reportedly the Chief of Protocol for the opposition group.

• Commentary suggests this is a “selling out of the highest order” and a sign of the country moving towards a one-party state.

• The good news noted is that these parties reportedly have “no following,” potentially simplifying the 2028 ballot to a contest between the ruling party and Nelson Chamisa.

This political development coincides with a worrying liquidity crunch in the Zimbabwean economy, with the government and various councils failing to pay civil servants’ bonuses and salaries on time. The finance sector is also facing turbulence, marked by the unexpected move by Econet to voluntarily delist from the Zimbabwe Stock Exchange (ZSE) to potentially list on the Victoria Falls Stock Exchange (VFEX).

Key Stories

• POLAD Leaders Join ZANU-PF: Over 15 principals and senior members of the Political Actors Dialogue (POLAD) have joined the ruling ZANU-PF party, effectively neutralizing a significant segment of the opposition.

• Zimbabwe Liquidity Crisis: The Zimbabwean government has failed to pay civil servants’ bonuses as promised, moving the payment date to the end of December, indicating a severe liquidity crunch.

• Econet Delisting from ZSE: Telecommunications giant Econet has announced its decision to voluntarily delist from the Zimbabwe Stock Exchange (ZSE), citing significant undervaluation of its shares compared to African peers.

• Guruve Mass Murder Manhunt: Zimbabwean police are conducting a major manhunt, including the use of drones, for a suspect who allegedly murdered eight people, including five family members, in Gurue.

• Manchester United Signs Namibian Youth: A 14-year-old Namibian boy, Forestar Rukeeveni Kuzatjike, has been signed by Manchester United’s academy, an exciting development for African football.

• KZN Legislature Fiasco: A motion of no confidence against the Premier in the KwaZulu-Natal Legislature failed, leading to a physical altercation where police had to be called to remove members.

Analysis

The mass defection of POLAD leaders to ZANU-PF solidifies the ruling party’s dominance and severely weakens multi-party democracy in Zimbabwe. While ZANU-PF positions the move as being drawn by “inclusive leadership”, critics view it as a clear strategy of co-option, where opposition figures trade their political principles for perks, such as farms and diplomatic passports, which has been an accusation leveled against POLAD members in the past. This action extinguishes the flicker of democratic hope that emerged after 2017 and reinforces the narrative that the country is sliding towards a fully entrenched authoritarian state.

The economic struggles—highlighted by the failure to pay civil service bonuses and the council’s failure to pay employees—paint a picture of systemic fiscal distress, despite official statements. The unexpected delisting of Econet from the ZSE, a move suggesting a search for better valuation on the VFEX, further underscores the lack of confidence and the perceived “fake economy” where the local currency is artificially held stable. These intertwined political and economic crises increase the risk of social instability and pose significant consequences for regional stability, especially for South Africa, which shares a border with Zimbabwe.

Meanwhile, the developing story around AI adoption, as championed by Donald Trump in the US and the comprehensive, system-wide approach in China, serves as a stark contrast to the political theatre in Zimbabwe. The commentary suggests that Zimbabwe is falling further behind in critical technological advancements, noting the absence of an AI policy and a functional AI ecosystem. The failure of Zimbabwean ministers to engage on such critical issues, as noted by a journalist’s unsuccessful attempt to obtain the country’s AI policy, reflects a broader governmental “incompetence” that prioritizes political loyalty over effective governance and national development.

Timeline (Last 48 Hours Focus)

• Late Yesterday: Over 15 POLAD political principals and senior members are reported to have joined ZANU-PF, with the announcement being made by Welukama Shumba.

• Yesterday: The KZN Legislature sees a physical altercation following the failure of a motion of no confidence against the Premier.

• Yesterday: Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube’s ministry fails to disburse civil servants’ bonuses as promised, pushing the payment date to December 30th.

• Yesterday: Econet Wireless Zimbabwe announces its decision to voluntarily delist from the Zimbabwe Stock Exchange (ZSE).

• Yesterday: Minister of Defense of Belarus reportedly arrives in Zimbabwe for high-level meetings.

• Recently: News breaks about a major manhunt in Gurue for a suspect involved in the mass murder of eight people.

Key Players

• POLAD Principals: The leaders of over 15 opposition parties, including Welukama Shumba, who announced their defection to ZANU-PF.

• President Emmerson Mnangagwa: The leader of ZANU-PF, who has consolidated political power through the absorption of POLAD members.

• President Hakainde Hichilema: The President of Zambia, lauded for his commitment to democracy following the passing of a constitutional bill aimed at inclusion.

• Mthuli Ncube: The Zimbabwean Finance Minister, facing criticism due to the failure to pay civil servants’ bonuses on time.

• Wicknell Chivayo: Prominent businessman, noted for spending time with his children amid personal life updates.