Reclaiming Zimbabwe: A call to transform Zanu PF from within

The dream of a prosperous, inclusive Zimbabwe, free from political corruption, cronyism and unaccountable leadership, has been stymied for decades by the entrenched power of Zanu PF. While various opposition parties have risen to challenge the status quo, their efforts have repeatedly fizzled. Edgar Tekere and Margaret Dongo tried to bring fresh perspectives through ZUM and ZUD, only to be silenced or absorbed back into Zanu PF. These failures have taught a harsh lesson: Zanu PF has a remarkable grip on power, not necessarily because of their appeal, but due to their strategic use of the state’s resources, propaganda and an ingrained sense of entitlement to Zimbabwe itself.

It is time for Zimbabweans to rethink the strategy. Zimbabwe does not belong to Zanu PF nor is it the property of the political elite. The country belongs to every Zimbabwean, from the guerilla fighters who fought on the frontlines to the communities who supported them, to the youth aspiring for a better future. The liberation struggle was a collective endeavour, won through unity and mutual sacrifice and the wealth and governance of Zimbabwe should reflect that shared ownership.

Instead of attempting to topple Zanu PF through external opposition, the new strategy should focus on infiltration, renewal and reclamation from within. By entering Zanu PF itself, young, capable and visionary Zimbabweans can initiate a gradual but transformative takeover, revitalizing the party and reclaiming Zimbabwe’s governance for the people. The focus would be on pushing out the corrupt, self-serving figures who have ruled for decades and replacing them with a new generation driven by accountability, service and respect for the rule of law.

This approach should also include making Zimbabwe’s history transparent and truthful. The narrative that Zanu PF “owns” Zimbabwe or is its eternal guardian must be dismantled, not just in political discourse but within the education system. Zimbabwean youth need to understand that every citizen has a rightful stake in their country. This would mean reforming Zanu PF from the ground up, addressing its role in past failures and shifting its vision towards genuine nation-building and empowerment.

The core principles of a reformed Zanu PF must be accountability, transparency, respect for rule of law and zero tolerance for corruption. Leaders should be held accountable for their productivity and failure to serve the public interest should be met with consequences. Zimbabwean citizens deserve leaders who see the role of government not as a means for personal gain, but as a platform for public service. Anyone standing as a barrier to national progress—whether through corruption, incompetence or obstruction should face real legal consequences.

Additionally, this approach fosters a society that prioritizes merit and contribution over patronage and political allegiance. Instead of starting yet another opposition party destined to be dismantled, Zimbabweans should claim back their heritage through Zanu PF’s own structures. They should turn it into a party that reflects Zimbabwe’s diversity, aspirations and resilience—a truly people-driven institution where every family, every individual, feels they have a role to play.

The future of Zimbabwe lies not in another doomed opposition attempt but in reclaiming and transforming the existing political apparatus. By working within Zanu PF to strip away its corruption and reorient it toward service, young Zimbabweans can ensure that leadership is transparent, accountable and dedicated to the wellbeing of every Zimbabwean—so that the legacy of Zimbabwean liberation is finally fulfilled; shared by all Zimbabweans.