Zapu has been dogged by infighting in Zimbabwe, UK and South Africa since its re-launch in 2008, and has been running two antagonistic structures in the neighbouring country following the controversial election that put Dingilizwe Mpondo in charge of the SA province early this year.
Some members of the party challenged the manner in which the elections were conducted, which they said was against the party’s constitution.
A former Zapu SA spokesman and Dumiso Dabengwa’s blue-eyed boy, Luke Sayi, led a faction that stood against that of former SA chairman, Dubizizwe Joli.
In a show of protest, the former Joli-aligned group broke ranks with the new province after the elections and formed a parallel structure that vainly sought the intervention of the national executive to resolve the impasse.
However, in a disciplinary outcome seen by The Zimbabwean recently, the party’s Council of Elders punished most of the “rebels” with 12-24 month suspensions.
The party’s former Secretary for Policy and Strategy, Mgidliza Mwelase, and former Pretoria chairman, George Mkhwanazi, were suspended for two years for allegedly leading the formation for a parallel structure.
Also suspended for two years were youth members, Mlamuli Nkomo and Mlungisi Tshabalala, for allegedly disrespecting the Council of Elders and bringing the party’s name into disrepute.
Three other members: Dumisani Matshelela, Sipho Mpofu and Jericho Ncube were cautioned and pardoned after they “co-operated” with the disciplinary procedures and apologised for their roles in the parallel structure.
Noel Behane, Bantubenkosi Sithole, Ian Ncube, Mthukutheli Ndlovu, Nsununguli Mbongolwane, Mbuso Dlodlo and Alice Mutembwa, Regina Sibindi, Inocent Moyo, Elson Zanza, Fanuel Sibanda and Father Nunu were all suspended for 12 months, ending next June.
The party’s spokesman for South Africa, Busani Bhalagwe, confirmed the suspensions, but did not provide any further details.
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