ZANU PF Moves to Replace Gutu East MP Amid Party Discipline.
Zimbabwe's ruling party, ZANU PF, has begun preparations for a potential by-election in Gutu East following the disciplinary action against MP Benjamin Ganyiwa.
Party officials held meetings in several wards last week, including Chinyika, Mandeya, and Makudo, to inform supporters of Ganyiwa's removal. The MP remained unavailable for comment, and calls went unanswered.
Ward 4 Councillor Philip Tagwirei Garirai confirmed provincial committee visits but said his area had not hosted any meetings. Party spokesperson Pepukai Chiwewe stated these visits aimed to discuss national congress resolutions from Bulawayo.
Provincial chairman Rabson Mavhenyengwa clarified that Ganyiwa faces a prohibition order rather than immediate removal. Opposition leader Godfrey Madzikanda said his party would respond if a by-election materializes.
Ganyiwa appeared before the provincial disciplinary committee in December 2024. The former Star FM DJ received a 21-day prohibition order starting December 13. He faces four charges, including holding unauthorized meetings and claiming independence from local party structures.
The charge sheet, signed by provincial disciplinary chairman Trust Mugabe, cited Ganyiwa's failure to control party members who criticized leadership in a WhatsApp group. Fellow MP Roy Bhila also faces disciplinary action for alleged misconduct, including verbal abuse of party members.
Party officials emphasized that no member stands above party rules. The situation highlights ZANU PF's strict enforcement of internal discipline among its elected representatives.
Zimbabwe's ruling party, ZANU PF, has begun preparations for a potential by-election in Gutu East following the disciplinary action against MP Benjamin Ganyiwa.
Party officials held meetings in several wards last week, including Chinyika, Mandeya, and Makudo, to inform supporters of Ganyiwa's removal. The MP remained unavailable for comment, and calls went unanswered.
Ward 4 Councillor Philip Tagwirei Garirai confirmed provincial committee visits but said his area had not hosted any meetings. Party spokesperson Pepukai Chiwewe stated these visits aimed to discuss national congress resolutions from Bulawayo.
Provincial chairman Rabson Mavhenyengwa clarified that Ganyiwa faces a prohibition order rather than immediate removal. Opposition leader Godfrey Madzikanda said his party would respond if a by-election materializes.
Ganyiwa appeared before the provincial disciplinary committee in December 2024. The former Star FM DJ received a 21-day prohibition order starting December 13. He faces four charges, including holding unauthorized meetings and claiming independence from local party structures.
The charge sheet, signed by provincial disciplinary chairman Trust Mugabe, cited Ganyiwa's failure to control party members who criticized leadership in a WhatsApp group. Fellow MP Roy Bhila also faces disciplinary action for alleged misconduct, including verbal abuse of party members.
Party officials emphasized that no member stands above party rules. The situation highlights ZANU PF's strict enforcement of internal discipline among its elected representatives.
