Thirty former opposition members from Kwekwe, Zvishavane, Hwange, Gokwe and Harare have joined ZANU PF, citing ongoing development projects and economic initiatives being implemented by the Government under the Second Republic.
The group officially joined the ruling party during an event held in Harare last Friday, where several of the new members said they were motivated by the development programmes being rolled out across the country.
Some of the returnees pointed to infrastructure projects and other socio-economic initiatives as key factors behind their decision to join the party.
“We cannot keep fighting from outside. We have realised that Zimbabwe has been put on a global platform through President Mnangagwa’s development trajectory,” said one of the new members.
Another returnee said the visible transformation taking place across the country had influenced his decision.
“I am happy with what the Second Republic is doing across the country. We used to see these kinds of developments in neighbouring countries, but we are now leaders in road infrastructure,” he said.
A former student activist said his perspective had changed after witnessing the Government’s development efforts.
“I used to represent ZINASU. We were the ones running around trying to derail Government efforts, but we have realised that nyika inovakwa nevene vayo, ndokusaka ndadzoka kumusha,” he said.
Another member described his return to the party as a homecoming.
“I am the prodigal son. I am back to my roots to assist in the country’s transformation agenda,” he said.
Addressing the gathering, ZANU PF National Political Commissar, Munyaradzi Machacha encouraged the new members to remain focused and committed to advancing the party’s programmes.
“As new members, there are those who will try to frustrate you through internal dynamics. You must remain motivated and vigilant in support of party programmes. The masses are the ones who elevate us, so let us continue empowering our grassroots with information regarding party programmes,” said Machacha.
The latest defections come as ZANU PF continues to attract new members from different parts of the country, with party officials attributing the trend to empowerment initiatives, infrastructure development and economic programmes being implemented by the Government.
