MANICALAND – A directive instructing miners in Manicaland to contribute US$3,000 each towards the upcoming Zanu PF National Annual People’s Conference has sparked outrage among the public, civil society, and the mining community. Critics say the demand amounts to political levies on businesses that are already heavily taxed, raising concerns about the blurring of lines between state obligations and ruling party fundraising.
The order, contained in a letter dated September 28, 2025, and signed by Advocate M. Mugadza, Member of Parliament, instructed all mining companies and operators to make the payment before October 2, 2025.
“We hope this letter finds you well. Following a Zanu PF 22nd National Annual People’s Conference fundraising meeting held on the 28th of September 2025, a resolution was passed regarding the upcoming conference. As per the resolution, all miners are required to contribute a minimum of US$3,000 USD towards the fundraising efforts for the conference,” reads the letter.
The letter concluded with a request for prompt attention to the matter, emphasising that the contribution was “mandatory” and vital to the success of the event.
The directive has provoked condemnation from various quarters. Citizens, opposition politicians, and some members of civil society have denounced the move as an abuse of power and a form of political extortion. Many argue that while mining companies and operators are subject to taxation and statutory levies under Zimbabwean law, they should not be compelled to fund a ruling party’s activities.
“This is clearly a case of state resources being diverted to political ends. Mining operators already pay substantial taxes, royalties, and levies. Forcing them to make additional payments to a political party is unacceptable and unlawful.”
Miners in Manicaland Ordered to Pay US$3,000 Each for Zanu PF Conference, Sparking Outrage
Several opposition figures have also weighed in, framing the demand as symptomatic of a broader problem in Zimbabwean politics — the use of state power to fund ruling party activities.An opposition MP said:
“What we are seeing here is not fundraising; it is an imposition. It amounts to looting under the guise of political mobilisation. The miners’ contributions should go to the state, not to Zanu PF.”
Within the mining community, the directive has been met with unease. Operators fear that refusal to comply could invite punitive measures from government authorities, creating a climate of uncertainty. Others have privately voiced frustration, arguing that the request amounts to political interference in business affairs.One miner, speaking on condition of anonymity, said:
“We pay taxes and levies to the government as part of our statutory obligations. Now we are being told to pay extra for a political party event. This is not part of our agreement with the state and raises serious questions about fairness and legality.”
Legal experts and governance activists have raised concerns about the legality of the move. Zimbabwean law stipulates that companies are obligated to remit taxes and statutory fees to the government, not to political parties. Compelling miners to make contributions to Zanu PF could therefore amount to an unlawful levy.A governance expert said:
“There is a clear distinction between state revenue and party fundraising. What we are seeing here is a politicisation of business contributions, which undermines transparency and accountability in governance.”
Civil society groups have called for an urgent review of the directive and are considering legal action to challenge it. They argue that such levies undermine investor confidence and harm the reputation of the mining sector in Zimbabwe, which is already grappling with operational challenges.
The demand also raises concerns about precedent. If accepted without challenge, such levies could pave the way for further political fundraising demands on other sectors of the economy, potentially burdening businesses and distorting economic governance.
Critics warn that this could erode public trust in the separation between party and state functions, deepening political polarisation.
At the time of reporting, Zanu PF had not issued an official statement clarifying the basis of the directive. It remains unclear whether the order is binding under party constitution or backed by government legislation. Party officials have historically defended such fundraising as voluntary contributions for party activities, but the letter’s wording has left many questioning whether compliance is indeed optional.
Among ordinary Zimbabweans, the move has sparked frustration and suspicion. Social media users and commentators have described it as another example of the ruling party using state structures to extract resources for political ends, adding to perceptions of corruption and lack of accountability in governance.One Harare-based commentator said:
“This is not just about miners. It’s about the integrity of public institutions. If Zanu PF can demand contributions like this, it undermines the principles of fair governance and equal treatment under the law.”
The deadline for contributions — October 2, 2025 — is fast approaching. How miners and the broader public respond could determine whether this becomes a flashpoint for further political and legal contestation. Civil society groups and opposition politicians have vowed to monitor the situation closely, signalling the likelihood of a prolonged debate over the legitimacy of the levy.
As the controversy unfolds, the case of Manicaland’s miners may become a defining moment in Zimbabwe’s ongoing struggle over the boundaries between political party fundraising and state authority.
Source- Bulawayo24
