By Staff Reporter
LEAD President Linda Masarira has publicly dismissed allegations that she is covertly aligned with Zimbabwe’s ruling Zanu-PF party, asserting that her political efforts are rooted in a desire to unite citizens across the political spectrum.
For years, segments of the Zimbabwean public have accused Masarira of acting as a surrogate for Zanu-PF interests, particularly due to her frequent criticisms of opposition figures despite positioning herself as an advocate for change. Her detractors suggest her stance is intended to fragment the opposition space.
Responding to the media on the sidelines of the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions’ Workers Day commemorations at Dzivarasekwa Stadium on Thursday, Masarira rejected the allegations as unfounded.
“A lot of people don’t understand the type of politics I am pursuing,” she said. “I’m a unifier. I’m a stateswoman. I believe in unity of people, unity in our diversity. Right now, I’ve been advocating for healthcare reform and a health revolution, but some want to politicize those efforts.”
Masarira emphasized that critical services such as healthcare transcend political boundaries, noting that hospitals like Parirenyatwa, United Bulawayo Hospitals (UBH), and Mpilo do not discriminate based on political affiliation.
She called on Zimbabweans to move beyond entrenched partisan divides, saying, “We must remove our political jackets and move away from binary politics. Let’s come together around issues of national importance.”
Clarifying her political approach, Masarira stated, “I do not thrive on politics of patronage, but on issues that affect every Zimbabwean, regardless of party affiliation. As I continue my political journey, I will seek votes from Zanu-PF supporters and from all ordinary Zimbabweans.”
She concluded by distancing herself from divisive political rhetoric, declaring her rejection of what she termed the “politics of hate, toxicity, and insults.”
