President Emmerson Mnangagwa has reversed the decision made by ZANU PF’s secretary for legal affairs, Patrick Chinamasa, to fire six paid social media activists, who had been labeled as “rogue elements” by Chinamasa.
Mnangagwa intervened after receiving an appeal letter from one of the dismissed activists, Jonasi Mandiwisa Musara. In a handwritten note on the letter, Mnangagwa declared the dismissals “null and void.”
Musara, a member of the Varakashi4ED group—an online campaign supporting the president’s agenda—had appealed to Mnangagwa to reinstate the activists.
The president’s action is seen as a direct challenge to Chinamasa’s authority and may further fuel the factional tensions within ZANU PF, which has been experiencing internal divisions over leadership succession.
Chinamasa, who oversees the Varakashi4ED Social Media Unit, had claimed the activists were fired due to their insults toward him and other party officials.
The Varakashi4ED group has played a key role in ZANU PF’s online strategy, attacking critics of Mnangagwa and amplifying pro-party content. One of the dismissed activists, Tinotenda Gachange, posted Musara’s appeal letter on social media, which now includes Mnangagwa’s handwritten remarks and signature.
Gachange’s post included a subtle critique of Chinamasa, accusing him of trying to suppress the activists’ support for a constitutional amendment that would remove presidential term limits. Gachange referred to those opposing this change as “anti-2030 elements” and affirmed their commitment to Mnangagwa’s leadership.
Other activists to be reinstated include Tafadzwa Mawire, Felix Muzondo, Pardon Mangwende, and Herbert Mathe.
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