“We should never be surprised”: David Coltart reacts to Tendai Masotsha’s Zanu-PF return

Tendai Luba Masotsha has returned to Zanu-PF after spending years involved in opposition politics. Masotsha described her return as coming back home, marking a significant shift in her political journey.

Her move has since attracted attention within Zimbabwe’s political circles. The former opposition figure’s decision also drew a sharp response from Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) politician David Coltart.

Coltart questions opposition defections

Coltart argued that opposition defections should not necessarily surprise Zimbabweans. He claimed Zanu-PF has historically sought to infiltrate opposition parties to weaken democratic movements.

According to Coltart, some defectors may have entered opposition parties with different motivations. He said such individuals can become particularly vocal while operating within opposition structures.

Coltart also suggested that defections could reveal the motivations of some opposition figures.

“An integral part of Zanu PF’s strategy to undermine democracy in Zimbabwe has always been to infiltrate opposition parties,” Coltart said.

“ We should never be surprised when people “defect”; it is more a returning home, an end to their mission of infiltration.”

An integral part of Zanu PF’s strategy to undermine democracy in Zimbabwe has always been to infiltrate opposition parties. Often those who do so are the most vociferous because they know they can act with complete impunity, and in any event do not believe in democratic principles of non violence, tolerance, truth, transparency and integrity. We should never be surprised when people “defect”; it is more a returning home, an end to their mission of infiltration and in one sense democrats can be relieved because their true intentions and motivations have been revealed. I personally am never dejected by such news. I have always understood that this battle to bring democracy to Zimbabwe requires a small number of competent committed patriots, not a mass of self interested individuals.

— David Coltart (@DavidColtart)

October 7, 2026

‘Democrats can be relieved’

Coltart said he personally does not become discouraged when opposition members defect.

“I personally am never dejected by such news,” he said.

He argued that Zimbabwe’s democratic struggle requires committed and capable people.

“I have always understood that this battle to bring democracy to Zimbabwe requires a small number of competent committed patriots,” Coltart said.

Masotsha’s return therefore adds another notable development to Zimbabwe’s shifting political landscape. Her decision could also reignite debate about loyalty, political movements and defections within opposition politics.

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