Zanu PF Bubi legislator and Deputy Higher Education Minister, Simelisizwe Sibanda, has been barred from accessing provincial offices and attending party meetings after facing accusations of gross misconduct and bringing the ruling party into disrepute. The move, announced by the Zanu PF Matabeleland North provincial leadership, comes amid growing tensions within the party’s provincial structures.
The provincial leadership alleges that Sibanda has consistently defied party protocols, created parallel structures, and made statements damaging to the party’s image. In a letter dated Monday, Silas Maligo, chairperson of the provincial disciplinary committee, outlined the charges against the legislator, stating that his conduct violated Zanu PF’s constitution and undermined unity within the party.
“Your behaviour has the potential to provoke division, disunity or impact negatively on the unity of the party by creating and promoting your own parallel structures,” Maligo wrote.
Zanu PF Bubi Legislator Barred from Party Offices Amid Misconduct Allegations
Among the accusations levelled against Sibanda, the provincial leadership highlighted several acts deemed to contravene party discipline:
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Refusal to cooperate with the District Coordinating Committee (DCC): Sibanda is alleged to have ignored directives from the local party leadership, hampering the DCC’s coordination of activities in Bubi district.
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Publicly distancing himself from Zanu PF: The legislator is accused of making statements on social media, particularly on the Bubi Community Parliament platform, that suggested he no longer represented the party in Parliament. Critics argue this undermines the party’s standing in the district.
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Claiming ownership of public initiatives: Sibanda allegedly commissioned boreholes under the Presidential Borehole Drilling Scheme without involving party leadership, presenting them as personal initiatives rather than government or party-backed projects.
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Misrepresentation of educational donations: He is further accused of presenting laptops donated by the ICT Ministry to local schools as his own contribution, drawing criticism from party colleagues.
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Disparaging remarks against party leaders: Sibanda reportedly made public statements and social media posts that embarrassed the DCC and belittled party leadership, further deepening intra-party tensions.
Prohibition Order and Disciplinary Hearing
Following complaints from the Bubi DCC, the provincial executive council convened on Sunday and resolved to issue a prohibition order against Sibanda, effective August 24. The order bars him from performing any duties as a DCC member, entering provincial or party offices, and attending Zanu PF gatherings.
Sibanda has 21 days to respond to the allegations before a full disciplinary hearing is scheduled for November 19. The decision underscores the party’s determination to enforce internal discipline and curtail behaviour seen as disruptive to its cohesion.
When contacted yesterday, Sibanda said he was unaware of the prohibition order, suggesting that he may challenge the disciplinary process or offer a formal response in due course.
This is not the first time the outspoken legislator has courted controversy. In July last year, President Emmerson Mnangagwa dismissed Sibanda from his position as Deputy Higher Education Minister after he sparked outrage by transferring an early childhood development teacher in Bubi district on the grounds of insufficient proficiency in isiNdebele. The decision drew widespread criticism, though Sibanda was reinstated weeks later following what insiders described as “profuse apologies.”
Analysts note that Sibanda’s history of defying party expectations reflects a broader pattern of tension between central and provincial Zanu PF structures. His actions, including public criticisms and independent initiatives, have occasionally challenged party authority and sparked debates over discipline, representation, and governance.
The latest disciplinary action against Sibanda raises fresh questions about his political future and the ability of Zanu PF to contain internal dissent in Matabeleland North. Observers suggest that the prohibition order may signal the party’s intent to reassert control over its provincial structures ahead of future elections and to reinforce unity within the district and provincial leadership.
“The party is sending a clear message that no member, regardless of rank, is above the rules,” said a political analyst familiar with the matter. “The challenge now is balancing disciplinary measures with maintaining grassroots support, especially in a district where Sibanda has strong local influence.”
Sibanda’s case highlights ongoing challenges within Zanu PF as it navigates internal disputes, loyalty issues, and the complexities of managing a broad and sometimes fractious membership base. With the disciplinary hearing set for November, all eyes will be on how the party addresses allegations against a high-profile legislator and whether the outcome will strengthen or further strain provincial unity.
For now, Sibanda remains sidelined from provincial offices and party gatherings, a move that signals the seriousness with which Zanu PF is treating allegations of misconduct and the party’s broader efforts to maintain discipline and cohesion across its ranks.
Source- ZimEye
