Online Reporter
Joseph Madzimure-Zimpapers Politics Hub
ZANU PF has ordered party members to immediately stop attacking each other in public and on social media, saying such conduct undermines party unity, discipline and its long-standing revolutionary values.
In a statement, Zanu PF secretary for Security Cde Lovemore Matuke expressed concern over developments in which senior leaders and ordinary members were openly denigrating one another.
“We are deeply concerned by the disturbing developments we are witnessing within our party, where senior leaders and ordinary members alike are openly attacking one another at public rallies and across social media platforms,” said Cde Matuke.
He said the conduct was alien to the values, traditions and discipline that have sustained ZANU PF for decades, warning that it risks putting the party’s image into disrepute.
ZANU PF, he said, was founded on unity, respect and collective responsibility, principles that have enabled the party to overcome adversity and continue serving the people of Zimbabwe.
“Our party has always been a home for all Zimbabweans who believe in the ideals of the liberation struggle,” he added.
“Everyone is welcome, but with belonging comes responsibility.”
Cde Matuke reminded members that the party is one family and should conduct itself accordingly.
“Each of us, whether a senior leader or an ordinary card-carrying member, must remember that we are one family. Families do not insult one another in public, nor do they tear each other apart before the world,” he said.
He urged members to resolve differences with dignity, patience and respect, instead of escalating disputes through public platforms.
“We must learn again to speak with one voice, to listen to one another with patience and to resolve our differences with dignity,” he said.
Cde Matuke warned that taking personal disagreements to rallies, newspapers and social media weakens the party and gives comfort to those who wish to see it divided.
“Let us also remind ourselves not to wash our dirty linen in public. When we take our internal disagreements to rallies, newspapers and social media, we do more harm than we realise. We weaken the party we love and give comfort to those who wish to see us divided,” he said.
He said the party has established structures, from the youth wing to the main wing, as well as trusted elders, to handle grievances and resolve misunderstandings internally.
“Our party has strong structures and trusted elders for a reason. These are the spaces where grievances should be shared, misunderstandings cleared and unity restored.
“Differences of opinion will always exist — that is part of any living organisation, but how we handle those differences matters. Respect must guide our words and actions.
“Leaders must lead by example, showing humility, restraint and kindness, and ordinary members must feel valued and protected, not attacked or belittled,” added Cde Matuke.
He also called on party members to remain united behind President Mnangagwa as the country pursues national development goals.
“We are walking together behind President Mnangagwa as he works to improve the lives of our people and realise the promise of Vision 2030.
“We cannot afford to be distracted by personal quarrels and small fights when the future of Zimbabwe demands our full attention,” he said.
He appealed to all members to recommit themselves to unity and collective purpose.
“We therefore appeal, from the heart, to every member of Zanu PF: let us return to the spirit of unity that has always defined us.
“Let us protect our party, respect one another and move forward as one people with one purpose.
“Those who choose to divide us choose the wrong path, because only together can we fulfil the mission of the revolution and build a better Zimbabwe for generations to come.”
