Online Reporter
Gibson Mhaka, Zimpapers Politics Hub
FORMER Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) legislator for Pumula constituency, Cde Albert Mhlanga, has strongly dismissed claims that he is a “sell-out,” insisting that his recent defection to the ruling Zanu-PF party was driven by a principled commitment to national interest and an appreciation of the Second Republic’s development agenda.
Cde Mhlanga, who formally joined the revolutionary party on November 14 alongside former Entumbane-Emakhandeni legislator Cde Dingilizwe Tshuma, said the reasons that led to the formation of the opposition movement are now being actively addressed by President Mnangagwa’s administration.
In an exclusive interview, Cde Mhlanga said the ideological shift behind his decision, stressing that his move was not motivated by financial or personal gain.
A former Deputy Mayor of Bulawayo, Cde Mhlanga said the current trajectory of national development under President Mnangagwa mirrors the objectives the opposition once fought for, making his switch a matter of ideological alignment.
“I joined Zanu-PF because I realised that under the leadership of the President, the same things we were fighting for are now the same that are being implemented by President Mnangagwa,” Cde Mhlanga said.
He cited improved economic stability as a key factor, noting the significant reduction in inflation since the hyperinflation era of 2008.
“My shifting from opposition to Zanu-PF was realising that Zanu-PF is committed to national development. Post-2008 inflation rate was high reaching an estimated 89,7 sextillion percent in November of that year, but today, as of November 2025, Zimbabwe’s national annual rate is 19 percent.
“So, such achievements made me see alignment with their Vision 2030 that is infrastructure development aiming to achieve upper-middle-income status, industrialisation, modernisation, and sustainable development,” he said.
Following his defection, Cde Mhlanga was immediately labelled a traitor by former colleagues and supporters. He challenged his critics to look beyond personal reputations and focus on the collective goal of a prosperous Zimbabwe.
“Unequivocally my move was ideologically driven by Zimbabwe’s progress, not personal perks,” he maintained.
He urged those who feel betrayed to consider the broader national objective.
“My decision was principled. I urge my critics to consider the bigger picture of national unity and a better Zimbabwe for all of us. I did it for national interest, prioritising Zimbabwe’s progress over my personal reputation. Zimbabwe is bigger than any individual. My critics should judge the outcome. I’m quite sure it will be beneficial for Vision 2030,” he said.
Cde Mhlanga said his focus now is on advancing Government policies and the Vision 2030 blueprint. His mandate will be to strengthen the party’s presence in Bulawayo and highlight development projects in the city.
“My specific role is to attract more members, engage existing ones and boost participation in Zanu-PF initiatives. It is about strengthening the party’s present participation in Pumula Bulawayo, highlighting party achievements in the infrastructure driven by Zanu-PF projects in Bulawayo,” he said.
Looking ahead, Cde Mhlanga pledged to promote unity and inclusivity, promising to be a voice for the marginalised within the ruling structure.
“I will amplify marginalised voices in Pumula and beyond,” he said.
