Source: Zanu PF warns members against online attacks on leadership | The Sunday Mail
Conrad Mupesa and Walter Nyamukondiwa
ZANU PF has vowed to take disciplinary action against party members who use social media to attack its leadership or undermine the party’s integrity, a senior party official has warned.
Speaking at a Special Provincial Coordinating Committee meeting in Chinhoyi, Politburo member and Minister of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Cde Ziyambi Ziyambi cautioned officials against the misuse of social media, emphasising the need for unity and discipline within the party.
The meeting also reaffirmed Mashonaland West province’s full support for resolution number one from the ZANU PF 2024 National People’s Conference, which calls for President Mnangagwa to remain in office until 2030.
Cde Ziyambi expressed concern over a small group of party members using social media to spread divisive messages and attack the Presidium.
“The President has always adhered to constitutional mandates,” he said.
“It is the grassroots party officials who are advocating his continued stay in office until 2030.
“We have observed with deep concern the proliferation of messages on social media instigating division and attacking our leadership.”
He warned that ZANU PF would not tolerate members who use digital platforms to spread hate speech or incite violence.
He further stressed that the party is in the process of developing a social media policy to guide responsible use among its members.
“The party will not hesitate to expel members who attack its leaders,” he added.
“As a party, we are working diligently to establish a social media policy that will guide our members on the responsible use of social media.”
Cde Ziyambi also made reference to the ongoing case of Alfa Media Holdings journalist Blessed Mhlanga, who is facing charges of inciting public violence.
Mhlanga allegedly recorded and uploaded a video of rogue war veteran Blessed Geza, in which he made inflammatory remarks against the country’s leadership and called for an insurrection.
“It is irresponsible for any journalist to foster panic and uncertainty,” said Cde Ziyambi.
“The law will act decisively against the broadcasting of incitement and violent messages.”
He added that spreading messages that incite violence violates the Data Protection Act, a law Mhlanga is alleged to have breached.
“This kind of behaviour is not only dangerous but also poses a threat to our nation’s stability and economic progress.
“No sovereign nation would permit calls for violent uprisings against its leaders.”
Meanwhile, ZANU PF Mashonaland West provincial chairperson Cde Mary Mliswa-Chikoka announced a strategic initiative to raise a US$5 million war chest to support various party activities.
“We must rally behind our leadership’s vision to solidify the party’s financial foundation,” she said.
Additionally, she confirmed the expulsion of Mr Geza from the party following his public rantings against the party leadership.
COMMENTS
Criticism is natural whether it be from an adult or a child. Some say its disrespectful but then again a leader must accept criticism as the norm. No one is always right even with the best brains around them. Criticism is healthy and like a survey shows us our strengths and weaknesses. The problem with ZanuPF they want to listen to no one only ma number 1 head honcho. His head is stuck in the mud and can’t be pulled out.Thus the deafness to anything said . You really wonder !!