Factionalism in Political Parties in Zimbabwe in the 21st Century: Origins and Dimensions

Introduction

Political parties in Zimbabwe in the 21st century have experienced a plethora of challenges which range from funding, external interference, ideological bankruptcy, and weak leadership among others. Factionalism has undisputedly emerged as one of the critical problems haunting Zimbabwean political parties in the 21st century. The central aim of paper is therefore to analyse the origins and dimensions of factionalism in Zimbabwe's political parties in the 21st century. In essence, the paper aims to expose the fact that there are several factors causing factionalism within political parties emanating from organisational and personal issues within any given political party. In the final conclusion of this paper factionalism is seen as inherent within political parties as individuals are driven by greed, creed and need, especially given the inherent economic crisis that has hit Zimbabwe as it entered the 21st century. In order to address these there is a need for a clear cut succession plan within political parties and also that political parties should encourage debate on issues of leadership and policy within their internal organisation.

Historical background to factionalism in Zimbabwe

Factionalism in political parties in Zimbabwe is not synonymous with the 21st century as it existed even during the colonial times. The problem of factionalism was exacerbated by the colonial policy of divide and rule which was perpetuated by the colonial government The failure of the Ndebele to protect their territory in the 1893 Anglo-Ndebele war was partly due to this consciousness of some of the Shona Chiefs refused to side with the Ndebele against the settlers. This policy augured well with the...