ZANU PF Makoni welcomes Didymus Mutasa after his return via the Council of Elders

 Didymus Mutasa

RUSAPE, ZIMBABWE – ZANU-PF’s Makoni district has welcomed veteran politician Didymus Mutasa following his appointment to the party’s Council of Elders by President Emmerson Mnangagwa. The move marks Mutasa’s return to formal party structures after years on the political sidelines, following his fallout with the late former President Robert Mugabe during the factional battles that preceded the 2017 Zimbabwe coup.

Mutasa was formally welcomed at a ZANU-PF district coordinating committee (DCC) meeting held in Rusape, where party members said they would draw from his extensive political experience. Makoni DCC chairperson Kudzai Chipanga praised Mnangagwa for the appointment, describing it as inclusive and strategic.

“We want to thank President Emmerson Mnangagwa for walking the talk and leaving no one and place behind after appointing comrade Didymus Mutasa into the Council of Elders,” Chipanga said.

“We are going to tap into the political experience of comrade Mutasa in fulfilling the party’s desire to achieve Vision 2030.”

Before his political fallout, Mutasa was one of ZANU-PF’s most influential figures, serving as State Security minister and secretary for administration, key roles within both government and party structures. He was also widely regarded as a political kingpin in Manicaland province, earning a reputation as a central figure in the party’s regional dynamics. His reappointment is seen by analysts as part of a broader effort by the ruling party to reintegrate experienced cadres and strengthen institutional memory.

The ZANU PF Council of Elders is a consultative body made up of senior and long-serving members tasked with advising the party leadership and providing strategic guidance. The body is chaired by former Defence Minister Sydney Sekeramayi. Political observers say such structures are often used to stabilise internal dynamics while leveraging the experience of veteran leaders.

The Rusape meeting was attended by several senior party members, including Mutasa’s longtime ally Shadreck Chipanga, as well as central committee members Lucia Chitura and Mathew Nyashanu. Phillip Mukoko, a national youth representative, was also present.

Mutasa’s return comes at a time when ZANU PF is consolidating structures ahead of its long-term Vision 2030 agenda, with emphasis on unity and continuity within the party. Analysts say bringing back experienced figures could help reinforce internal cohesion while offering mentorship to younger members.

Didymus Mutasa return ZANU PF