Zanu PF has come under heavy criticism following the reported launch of a new affiliate group called “Top Soup 4ED”, a name that has ignited outrage and confusion across Zimbabwe’s political and social circles. The phrase, loosely interpreted by many as “women ready to provide pleasure on behalf of President Mnangagwa,” has sparked a heated national debate about gender respect, political ethics, and the lengths to which some supporters are willing to go in demonstrating loyalty to the ruling party.
The controversy began after a video clip surfaced online showing a young woman proudly wearing a white T-shirt emblazoned with the words Top Soup 4ED. The clip quickly went viral on social media, triggering a wave of backlash and prompting public calls for clarification about the group’s true purpose and meaning.
For many Zimbabweans, the name “Top Soup 4ED” carries deeply suggestive and demeaning connotations. Critics argue that it reduces women to objects of male gratification under the guise of political loyalty. “It’s shocking and disgraceful,” said one gender rights activist based in Harare. “We have fought for decades to protect women’s dignity, and yet we now see political movements using sexualized language to gain attention. It’s a slap in the face to all women.”
Social media platforms were flooded with posts condemning the group, with many users demanding that Zanu PF disassociate itself from the initiative. Others called for the Zimbabwe Gender Commission to investigate whether the group’s message violates laws protecting women from discrimination and exploitation.
Controversy as Zanu PF Launches ‘Top Soup 4ED’: Critics Accuse Party of Degrading Women for Political Ends
The formation of Top Soup 4ED comes amid a wave of newly created affiliates aligned to Zanu PF, all expressing loyalty to President Emmerson Mnangagwa and his Vision 2030 development agenda. In recent years, a host of “4ED” organizations—such as Young Women 4ED, Men BelievED, Mahwindi 4ED, and Teachers 4ED—have emerged, each pledging to mobilize support for the ruling party and its leadership.
Political observers note that these groups often serve dual purposes: rallying grassroots support for the President and reinforcing loyalty among key social sectors. However, the emergence of “Top Soup 4ED” appears to have backfired, drawing accusations that the party is trivializing women’s roles in politics.
“The 4ED movement was meant to symbolize unity and collective effort toward national development,” said political analyst Eldred Masunungure. “But a name like Top Soup 4ED sends the wrong message. It trivializes women’s participation and undermines the broader goal of inclusive political engagement.”
Beyond the gender implications, analysts believe the establishment of yet another 4ED affiliate could be part of a strategic push by Zanu PF to consolidate influence ahead of future elections. Some suggest the ruling party is using these affiliates to maintain visibility, mobilize supporters, and strengthen networks that could bolster President Mnangagwa’s political longevity.
There is growing speculation that such initiatives might also serve as groundwork for extending Mnangagwa’s stay in power beyond constitutional limits, despite his term being expected to end in 2028. “It’s no secret that some within the ruling elite are preparing the ground for a post-2030 Mnangagwa political presence,” said a Harare-based political commentator. “These affiliates help sustain the narrative that the President’s leadership is indispensable to the nation’s progress.”
As outrage continues to mount, Zanu PF has yet to issue an official statement clarifying the origins or objectives of the Top Soup 4ED group. The silence has only fueled more speculation, with critics accusing the party of testing public reaction before either endorsing or distancing itself from the controversial affiliate.
Meanwhile, civic groups and feminist organizations have demanded accountability, urging the ruling party to take responsibility for any messaging that disrespects women. “Whether this is a misguided affiliate or a genuine Zanu PF initiative, the name alone is unacceptable,” said Women’s Coalition of Zimbabwe spokesperson Mildred Machiri. “It sends the wrong message to young girls and undermines efforts toward gender equality.”
The name “Top Soup” has become the focal point of online satire and debate, with many trying to decode its meaning. Some believe it refers to a colloquial phrase used to describe attractiveness or desirability, while others view it as a direct reference to providing “pleasure” or “comfort” — hence the controversy.
Political satirists and commentators have mocked the name, describing it as “an embarrassing PR blunder” that highlights how far political branding has fallen in Zimbabwe’s polarized environment. “If this is meant to attract youth or women, it has done the opposite,” one journalist remarked on X (formerly Twitter). “It’s tone-deaf and disrespectful in every sense.”
The Top Soup 4ED saga has not only embarrassed Zanu PF but also reignited debates about the culture of sycophancy within Zimbabwean politics. Many observers argue that some of these 4ED affiliates are formed not out of genuine patriotism, but as vehicles for personal gain, political positioning, or access to resources.
“This is what happens when politics becomes about pleasing the leader rather than serving the people,” said one university lecturer. “The result is a circus of slogans and affiliates that make no real contribution to national development.”While the full origins of Top Soup 4ED remain unclear, the controversy has dealt a reputational blow to Zanu PF’s outreach strategy. What was likely intended as another loyalty movement has instead sparked a national conversation about respect, gender, and political decency.
As the debate rages on, one message is clear: Zimbabweans expect their leaders—and those who claim to represent them—to uphold dignity, not diminish it.
Source- ZimEye
