WATCH- Gift Banda: Why I joined Zanu PF?

Limukani Ncube
Intake Editor

FORMER Bulawayo Deputy Mayor and ex-Njube-Lobengula Member of Parliament, Gift Banda, says his decision to leave the opposition and join Zanu PF was motivated by what he describes as the ruling party’s strong leadership, structured organisation and clear ideological foundation.

Cde Banda, an accomplished businessman and football administrator, said he could no longer justify remaining in the opposition at a time the country was making massive progress under the Second Republic led by President Mnangagwa.

Cde Banda was recently introduced to Zanu PF members during a party rally in Gwanda, Matabeleland South Province.

In a wide-ranging interview on Thursday, Cde Banda said his decision followed a period of deep reflection on both his personal political journey and the country’s direction.

“You know, it was after a long time that I had been doing a lot of self-introspection of where we come from as a country. One, as an individual, and two -where we are as a country now, and where we are going as a country.

“And me, as an individual. I have been pondering on where my political interests can be best served and where I can meaningfully contribute as well. I then decided to move to an organisation that has proper structures, an organisation that has an ideology that also educates people in a proper way. That’s the main reason why I decided to join the ruling party,” he said.

Cde Banda said he was convinced Zimbabwe was “in safe hands” under President Mnangagwa’s leadership, adding that the Government’s economic vision was already yielding positive results.

He also criticised the leadership style within the opposition following the death of founding MDC leader Mr Morgan Tsvangirai who died in 2018. He said Mr Nelson Chamisa, former CCC leader, had become a liability to the opposition because of his dictatorial tendencies.

“You must realise that it has been painful being in the opposition ever since Morgan Tsvangirai passed away. It has been painful being in the opposition, being led by people who never wanted anyone to question anything,” said Banda.

“We had people who were becoming dictators in the opposition, to an extent that everybody in the leadership of the opposition didn’t know where we were going and we were only getting to be answerable to one person. And I realised that I didn’t want to be part of that.”

Cde Banda said he believes he can contribute more effectively to national development through Zanu PF, which he described as a party with established structures and a long-term vision for the country.

His defection adds to a growing list of former opposition figures who have crossed over to the ruling party in recent years.