ZANU-PF Manicaland Provincial Chairperson Tawanda Mukodza is at the centre of a growing storm after allegedly deploying hired youths to disrupt a Provincial Executive Council meeting in Mutare.

Party insiders have condemned the move as a reckless bid to cling to power, accusing Mukodza of undermining party unity and discipline.

Senior party sources allege that Mukodza misappropriated substantial funds meant for provincial development, including US$100,000 reportedly donated by businessman Wicknell Chivayo and another US$100,000 from the Presidential development fund.

Provincial member Cde Jani feared for his life after Cde Tawanda Mukodza unleashed thugs, paid to disrupt the PEC meeting at the Government Complex in Mutare.

The money, intended to strengthen party operations and support grassroots structures in Manicaland, allegedly vanished, leaving local cadres frustrated and financially stranded.

Further accusations paint a troubling picture of entrenched corruption under Mukodza’s leadership. Party positions are allegedly being traded for cash, with aspiring members forced to pay bribes to secure roles effectively turning party structures into a commercial enterprise rather than a revolutionary organisation.

Mukodza is also accused of repeatedly defying instructions from the national leadership. One such incident involves the Mutare Presidential Launch, which was reportedly postponed by higher authorities.

Despite clear directives, Mukodza allegedly went ahead with the event, a move widely interpreted as open insubordination.

The controversy escalated further with claims that proof of residence belonging to Cde Paul Tungwarara was forged, allegedly on Mukodza’s instructions.

Party insiders say the act was a deliberate attempt to manipulate internal processes and has seriously damaged the party’s public image.

Tensions rise, many within ZANU-PF believe the unfolding saga represents a serious test of party discipline, accountability, and leadership integrity in Manicaland.

ZANU-PF spokesman Chris Mutsvangwa has said the late war veteran and former legislator Blessed Geza remains deserving of a burial with befitting hero status, despite what he described as the veteran having “faltered at the last mile.”

Speaking to Daily News, Mutsvangwa said Geza’s contribution to Zimbabwe’s liberation struggle and political history could not be erased by recent developments.

“We embrace him back. As ZANU-PF and as war veterans, we say his history will not change despite what happened recently,” Mutsvangwa said.

Blessed Geza passed away over the weekend in South Africa after a long battle with cancer.

Zimbabwe, Ambassador Zhou Ding, has reaffirmed the strength and resilience of China–Zimbabwe relations, describing the partnership as an “all-weather community with a shared future,” during the 2026 Harare Chinese New Year Carnival.

Addressing senior government officials, diplomats, members of ZANU-PF, veterans of the liberation struggle, and representatives of the Chinese community, Ambassador Zhou extended warm New Year greetings and expressed appreciation to the Government of Zimbabwe for its continued support of the annual cultural celebration.

He paid special tribute to the local Chinese community for organizing the carnival, noting that the event reflects their deep commitment to bilateral friendship, cultural diversity, and Zimbabwe’s economic prosperity.

“With this Chinese New Year carnival, you have once again demonstrated your deep commitment to the friendship between China and Zimbabwe,” Ambassador Zhou said.

Reflecting on 2025, Ambassador Zhou described the year as one of remarkable achievements for China–Zimbabwe relations, marked by the completion and commissioning of major infrastructure and development projects supported by Chinese government financing and private sector investment.

He noted that trade and investment cooperation continued to expand, injecting fresh momentum into Zimbabwe’s socio-economic development, while cultural and people-to-people exchanges grew stronger and more vibrant.

“Today, as we celebrate the Chinese New Year, we also celebrate our enduring partnership, our unwavering solidarity, and our joint achievements in the past year,” he said.

Ambassador Zhou highlighted the Lunar New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, as a symbol of unity, renewal, and hope, now celebrated globally by nearly two billion people.

He drew parallels between Chinese cultural values and the African philosophy of Ubuntu, emphasizing shared respect for tradition, family, and community.

“Both China and Zimbabwe hold our traditions and cultural heritage dear.1 They form the foundation of our societies and provide enduring wisdom, inspiration, and strength on our paths to prosperity,” he said.

Looking ahead, Ambassador Zhou announced that 2026 has been designated as the “China Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges” by China and the African Union, signaling a renewed focus on strengthening human and cultural connections.

With the Year of the Horse approaching, he reaffirmed China’s commitment to deepening cooperation with Zimbabwe and strengthening fraternal bonds between the two nations.

He described the Horse as a symbol of energy, diligence, perseverance, and vitality, expressing confidence that these qualities would guide both countries toward shared progress.