Veteran nationalist and long-serving Zapu cadre, Andrew Ndlovu, has announced his retirement from active politics.
He announced his retirement in a letter addressed to Zapu president Sibangilizwe Nkomo, stating that he was stepping back with immediate effect as he approaches his 70th birthday next year.
“I feel it is time for me to transition and dedicate more time to my family, fellow war veterans and community,” he wrote.
He said his name should be removed from all party positions, although he will continue participating in community initiatives.
Ndlovu, who has been part of Zapu since the liberation struggle, said his exit was driven partly by age and partly by a desire to groom younger leaders while ensuring that the party avoids internal strife.
He said Zimbabwe’s political history is littered with examples of leaders who were “chased away” instead of being allowed to properly hand over power, warning that this culture erodes institutions and destroys legacies.
“I’m trying to introduce that legacy should be left in peace, not through fights,” Ndlovu told Southern Eye on Sunday in an interview.
“Check what happened to Rugare Gumbo, to former president Robert Mugabe, they were chased away.
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"The legacy now has no handover, takeover in a proper way.”
He said Zapu must allow younger members to take charge while the older generation offers guidance instead of clinging to positions.
“My age now requires me to groom these youngsters so they run the politics," he said.
"We opened doors for them, and they need to feel they have been given a legacy."
Ndlovu, who has been deeply involved in war veterans’ welfare issues, said he intends to refocus his energy on community development and improving the conditions of ex-combatants.
“As it is, I am active in the community," he said.
"I chair development committees and continue fighting for the welfare of war veterans, just like we did during the era of Dr Hunzvi.
“I vetted people in 2022 and 2023 — they haven’t been paid even now in 2025.
"We continue pushing to see the lives of war vets improve.”
Ndlovu said he remains available for national service, including representing war veterans in Parliament under their 20% quota should the need arise.
“I now have full freedom unlike before when I had to concentrate my power in an organisation, which I revived and put all systems in place," he said.
"Now it’s for the young people to carry on properly, while we advise."
Ndlovu described himself as part of a generation whose contributions shaped Zapu’s modern identity, alongside the late Dumiso Dabengwa and other stalwarts.
“The legacy of Zapu is me, Tshawe, Dabengwa and others who pulled out,” he said.
“I have done my best.”
