Online Reporter
Gibson Nyikadzino in Uppsala, Sweden
ONE of the most striking characteristics of anti-nationalist liberation critics is their apparent lack of historical memory. This absence is reflected in their strategic miscalculations and tactical shortcomings, particularly in their understanding of Zanu-PF.
The mission to dismantle Zanu-PF’s organisational strength, its capacity to mobilise, its resilience in the face of adversity, and its deep-rooted connection with the masses was a project that even colonialism failed to achieve.
The colonial regime — an uncompromising and brutal system that vehemently opposed black majority rule — could not halt the momentum of Zanu-PF’s resistance against repression, subjugation, and marginalisation.
If Zanu-PF could withstand the assault of a well-organised and institutionalised system that despised African independence, it is well-equipped to survive any contemporary challenges. Throughout both the colonial and post-colonial eras, the party has endured pressure from global powers and internal forces advocating for “change”, yet it remains unshaken.
As the party prepares for its 22nd National People’s Conference, scheduled for 13–18 October in Mutare, Manicaland Province, past victories and current achievements must not breed complacency. There is still much work to be done.
Zanu-PF has enabled Zimbabwe to boldly demonstrate ideological resilience, becoming the first and only African nation to dismantle a capitalist-feudal land ownership system and declare a state where Africans own the means of production.
This historic achievement is monumental. It was this boldness that led to Zanu-PF and Zimbabwe being perceived as having committed a “crime” that warranted punishment — to prevent their courage from inspiring other African nations.
Zanu-PF’s ideological strength was seen as a contagion that needed to be eradicated before it could spread.
When neo-colonial and neo-imperial forces begin to exhibit insecurity and fear, it reveals the flaws in their character. These forces cannot stand against a united and organised people.
Zanu-PF must remain vigilant in the face of new realities. These include shifting demographic patterns within Zimbabwe, the region, and globally. Another challenge is the rise of neo-colonial ideologies, propagated by elements opposed to nationalist liberation movements. These can only be countered by ensuring the masses are satisfied — both ideologically and materially.
Without abandoning its foundational principles rooted in the liberation struggle, Zanu-PF continues to evolve, translating political gains into economic benefits. The party is transitioning from colonial and post-colonial contexts into the post-modern era through strategic recalibration.
This recalibration demands that Zanu-PF maintain high levels of popular participation, supported by class consciousness across diverse social groups — peasants, workers, intellectuals, and the progressive bourgeoisie.
Whenever Zanu-PF mobilises these classes to reinforce its organisational strength, critics and sceptics become increasingly disillusioned. They offer “analyses” devoid of empirical evidence, aimed solely at tarnishing the party’s image. Yet, the party remains resilient.
This is the complexity of Zanu-PF: intricate enough to confound its adversaries, and robust enough to sustain its influence and dominance, both organisationally and ideologically.
As is tradition, the party’s supporters, organs, youth, women, war veterans’ leagues, and the main wing must continue to uphold the flame of nationalist consciousness. This is not the time for the youth — who serve as the party’s vanguard — to lapse into inactivity, apathy, or arrogance.
Young members must continue to fuel ideological resistance and intellectual defiance against destabilising efforts that seek to undermine the party’s legacy.
For any ideologically grounded and committed cadre, defending the party’s ideological frontiers is paramount. Such defence must be rooted in conviction and loyalty to the party’s values. Revolutionary hopes and aspirations must never be betrayed.
Where Zanu-PF’s values are upheld and defended, they reflect a commitment to preserving a legacy that shapes the character of the state and fosters discipline. Zanu-PF’s legacy as a disciplined and ideologically grounded nationalist party must not be erased.
As the party convenes in Mutare, it is worth remembering that Zanu-PF inherited a deeply unequal settler-colonial economy, built on exclusionary capitalist structures — and dismantled it.
Through radical reforms, particularly in land ownership and black empowerment, the party created space for the black majority to participate meaningfully in the economy.
Though once unimaginable, these reforms are now delivering tangible benefits to the people.
Zanu-PF restructured a society born of colonialism — one that privileged white wealth and power — and addressed the inequalities that marginalised indigenous Zimbabweans, exposing the flaws of capitalist doctrine.
These values and positions are not neutral. They are historical imperatives that must endure. In defending them, no one can claim ideological neutrality.
