HARARE – Zimbabwe’s Minister of Local Government and Public Works, Daniel Garwe, has unleashed a controversial claim that President Emmerson Mnangagwa is ordained by God to lead the country until 2030.
Garwe, who is also the Zanu-PF Manicaland Provincial Chairman, made the statement amid intensifying factionalism within the ruling party.
According to Garwe, Mnangagwa’s leadership is divinely ordained, and his presidency will prevail despite opposition. He attacked two Zanu-PF youths, Godwin Gomwe and Godfrey Tsenengamu, for publicly opposing the plan to extend Mnangagwa’s term of office.
“Today, we are witnessing small individuals like Gomwe and Tsenengamu saying whatever they are saying. Don’t be frightened,” Garwe said while addressing a recent Zanu-PF event.
“The Bible says if you want to see the glory of God, a demon must come out first. This is a manifesting demon meant to show the greatness of God. The glory of God will prevail upon our President Doctor Emmerson Mnangagwa.
“Whether they like it or not. Whether they shout at our President or not. Whether they denigrate our President or not. The President will be at the helm of this country until 2030.”
Garwe’s statement comes after a faction of Zanu-PF led by a group of Zimbabwe’s liberation war veterans called on Mnangagwa to step down, accusing him of nepotism, corruption, and failing to address the country’s economic woes.
Addressing a press conference on Monday, Blessed Runesu Geza, a veteran of Zimbabwe’s 1960s and ’70s liberation war and a member of Zanu-PF’s central committee, accused Mnangagwa of turning the country into “a banana republic.”
“Corruption has become a security threat because these people are being protected by Emmerson,” Geza said.
“So, as war veterans, including masses, we are being asked, ‘Why did you give us this kind of a person? We no longer like him.’ So, we are pleading with you: Leave peacefully. If you don’t, people will use the constitution for you to go.”
The controversy surrounding Mnangagwa’s potential extension of his presidential term has sparked heated debate in Zimbabwe.
While some party members, like Energy Mutodi are pushing for constitutional amendments to allow Mnangagwa to remain in office beyond his current term, others have expressed concerns about the implications for democracy and the rule of law.
Those who are opposed to the 2030 agenda are effectively siding with Vice President Constantino Chiwenga, who is the frontrunner in the race to replace Mnangagwa.
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