ZANU-PF has suspended Bubi legislator and Deputy Minister of Higher and Tertiary Education, Simelisizwe Sibanda, from participating in any party activities while he faces disciplinary measures.
A letter purportedly issued by the party’s Matabeleland North provincial leadership directs Sibanda to refrain from entering any ZANU-PF offices or attending party meetings until a final verdict is reached regarding his conduct.
Sibanda stands accused of defying the authority of the District Coordinating Committee (DCC), establishing unauthorized parallel party structures, and making derogatory remarks—both in public and on social media—that allegedly brought the party and its leadership into disrepute.
As a result, the provincial disciplinary committee issued a ban effective August 24, 2025, barring him from exercising his role as a Central Committee member, accessing party premises, or attending any official gatherings.
The official communication cited the following alleged infractions:
-
Conduct seen as damaging to the party’s image and core values, including failure to cooperate with the DCC and setting up unauthorized party structures.
-
Public statements and social media posts viewed as damaging to ZANU-PF’s reputation and leadership credibility.
-
Disrespecting DCC officials in public forums and online spaces.
The letter states that Sibanda’s suspension will remain in force until the disciplinary committees conclude his case. It also outlines that Sibanda retains certain rights under the party constitution, specifically referencing sections 533(5), 536(3) of Article 36, and section 45 of Article 37.
This is not the first time Sibanda has found himself at odds with the ruling party. In mid-2024, he faced backlash after confronting a female ECD teacher in Matabeleland North, allegedly questioning her presence in the province due to her lack of fluency in Ndebele. The incident sparked national outrage and a social media firestorm.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa later intervened, granting Sibanda a pardon after the deputy minister issued a public apology and was subsequently reinstated.
Now, just a year later, Sibanda once again faces political turbulence—this time, from within his own party.
ALSO READ : Chiwenga’s Intervention in Traders’ Dispute Sparks Cabinet Tensions
