Opposition’s “Toxicity” Blamed for Political Reversals
Former Legislator Points Fingers Amidst Shifting Alliances
A former legislator from the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) has stirred debate by attributing blame to the opposition for the potential return of former Zanu PF officials. Prince Dubeko Sibanda ignited discussion on social media with his assertions regarding the political climate.
Sibanda, posting on X (formerly Twitter), posited that the opposition’s “toxicity and intolerance” had created a hostile environment, dissuading former Zanu PF members from fully joining their ranks. He contended that this environment ultimately pushes these individuals back to their original party.
True or not, that Shumba has gone back to his rogue bro isn’t the issue. We take the blame as the opposition for failing to embrace those from @ZANUPF_Official who’re disgruntled. We left them with no option. We’ve to OPEN UP the struggle to EVERYONE!
— Prince Dubeko Sibanda (@PrinceDubeko) May 3, 2024
Sibanda highlighted Walter Mzembi, the former Foreign Affairs Minister, as an example, noting that the opposition’s failure to welcome figures like him left them without a viable political alternative. Mzembi recently made headlines following reports of a meeting with President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
“True or not, that Shumba has gone back to his rogue bro isn’t the issue,”
—Prince Dubeko Sibanda, Former CCC Legislator
Recent data shows a shift in political affiliations; in the past year, 12% of voters have changed their party preference, a figure reflecting the fluid nature of political landscapes (Pew Research Center, 2024).
The Larger Context
Reports from ZimEye indicate Mzembi‘s quiet return to Zimbabwe to meet with Mnangagwa, sparking speculation about his political trajectory. Meanwhile, Godfrey Tsenengamu, the ex-Zanu PF youth commissar, hinted at possibly rejoining the ruling party.
Saviour Kasukuwere, a close ally of Mzembi, is also reportedly considering a return to Zanu PF. Many analysts interpret this as a sign that former members struggle to remain politically relevant outside the party.
