Zanu PF warns fake ED affiliates

By Nizbert Moyo | Jan. 30, 2023

ZANU PF national political commissar Mike Bimha

ZANU PF national political commissar Mike Bimha has lamented divisions within the ruling party and warned supporters against fake economic development (4ED) affiliates within the party.

Addressing an All Affiliated 4ED special meeting hosted by YoungWomen4ED at the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) in Bulawayo last Friday, Bimha said some individuals were now in the business of enriching themselves using the Zanu PF party name.

“From the provinces that I have visited so far, Bulawayo has the highest number of affiliates. There are things that we do not like, and there are fake affiliates. They say they are this and that, but have no members. They have not met as an organisation. Some come to us in the offices and we welcome them. Thereafter they immediately ask for loans for their people,” Bimha said.

“Others come and say they are junior teachers4ED and others say they are old teachers4ED. We do not want affiliates for positions, but affiliates for economic empowerment. We want to vet affiliates because we might end up having opposition members coming as affiliates,” he said.

Zanu PF provincial chairperson Jabulani Sibanda said: “Some of the affiliates were formed here today using a pen so that their names would be called out. We want to win the elections in Bulawayo. Those who are here today must know that they are representing the wishes of the fallen heroes.”

But political analyst Effie Ncube said Bulawayo and the country at large will not benefit from the 4ED programmes.

“They are exploiting proximity to the powers-that-be to benefit a few at the expense of millions of Zimbabweans languishing in abject poverty. These groups exist as extensions of factional fights within the ruling party. The country needs men and women of democracy, human rights, rule of law and good governance. It needs men and women who will fight corruption and looting of the country's resources,” Ncube said.

The country now has dozens 4ED affiliates, which include Rastas4ED, Single women4ED, NUST staff4ED, YES4ED, and Footballers4ED, among others.