Mmusi Maimane, leader of Build One South Africa (BOSA), warned that Zimbabwe’s Zanu PF party may be next to face decline after the Botswana Democratic Party’s loss to Duma Gideon Boko. This follows a regional trend of opposition gains amid unrest in Mozambique and criticism of Zanu PF’s governance.
In a notable shift in Southern African politics, Maimane’s caution comes after Boko’s election marks a significant political change in Botswana, where the BDP had maintained power for 58 years. The electoral defeat is part of a broader trend in the region, as opposition parties gain ground. In South Africa, the African National Congress (ANC) has recently lost its majority in various councils and Parliament, while in Zambia, opposition leader Hakainde Hichilema achieved a significant victory over former president Edgar Lungu.
Highlighting the volatility in the region, Maimane pointed to unrest in Mozambique, where demonstrators have questioned the legitimacy of elections that declared the ruling FRELIMO party as winners. Against this backdrop, Zanu PF continues to face criticism for its controversial tactics to maintain power.
“Chest pains. Zanu PF is next. We know you hoped for your ally Masisi’s victory, but the people of Botswana disagreed,” Maimane declared, referencing Zanu PF’s support for the BDP. This defeat signals a potential shift in political alliances in Southern Africa.
In contrast, President Emmerson Mnangagwa of Zimbabwe has taken a cautious approach, refraining from congratulating the new opposition leader in Botswana until the official results were announced. When he did extend his congratulations, they were conveyed through Foreign Affairs Minister Amon Murwira, underscoring Zanu PF’s reticence amid shifting political dynamics in the region.
As Southern Africa navigates this period of upheaval, the implications for Zanu PF’s future remain uncertain, with observers keenly watching the evolving political landscape.
