As she Demands ZimDaily Stop ‘Defamatory’ Cartoons Linking Her to ZANU-PF
By The Wasu Post Writer
Harare, January 29, 2026 — Labour Economists and African Democrats (LEAD) president Linda Tsungirirai Masarira has issued a formal demand to online publication ZimDaily to immediately cease what she describes as persistent misrepresentation and defamatory cartooning that falsely associates her with the ruling ZANU-PF party.
In a letter dated January 29, Masarira accused ZimDaily of repeatedly publishing cartoons depicting her wearing ZANU-PF regalia or visually aligned with the party, saying the portrayals are “false, misleading and malicious.”
“I am not a member of ZANU-PF, I do not have any political relationship with ZANU-PF, and I do not advance ZANU-PF interests,” Masarira wrote, stressing that she leads an independent political party that is ideologically distinct and openly critical of corruption, authoritarianism and governance failures.
She argued that the cartoons amount to deliberate political misrepresentation and defamation by implication, accusing the publication of agenda-setting designed to undermine her credibility and confuse the public about her political stance.
“Cartoons are not neutral art; they are powerful editorial instruments. When used irresponsibly, they become tools of propaganda and character assassination,” Masarira said.
The LEAD leader warned that the continued depiction of her alongside ZANU-PF symbols creates a false impression that she is aligned with or sponsored by the ruling party, which she said damages her political reputation, leadership legitimacy and standing with supporters and partners.
In the letter, Masarira formally demanded that ZimDaily immediately stop portraying her with ZANU-PF colours or symbols, refrain from publishing material that falsely links her to the party, and issue a corrective clarification acknowledging her as an independent political leader with no affiliation to ZANU-PF.
She further warned that failure to comply would leave her with no option but to pursue legal remedies, including a defamation claim, complaints to media regulatory bodies and civil litigation for reputational harm.
“This letter serves as formal notice. I reserve all my rights,” she wrote.
In a pointed political aside, Masarira also dismissed speculation about her alignment with opposition realignments, stating that she has “no intentions of joining whatever Chamisa is onto,” a remark widely interpreted as distancing herself from former Citizens Coalition for Change leader Nelson Chamisa and his recent political activities.
ZimDaily had not responded to the allegations at the time of publication.
