HARARE – President Emmerson Mnangagwa has called for unity amid growing concerns over fierce factionalism within the ruling Zanu-PF party.
Speaking at the burial of the late National Hero, Tinaye Elisha Nzirasha Chigudu, Mnangagwa urged citizens to embrace unity, peace, love, and tolerance, even in the face of divergent views.
But events at the national shrine showed the true state of the party as rival supporters clashed.
As Mnangagwa supporters sang “2030 ndeya Emmerson, siyanai naye Mnangagwa,” Chiwenga’s supporters drowned this with their own chants of “Siyanai naye Mukanya”, a reference to Chiwenga’s totem.
In his speech Mnangagwa stressed the importance of maintaining focus and discipline in building a prosperous Zimbabwe. He called on citizens to work together, hand in hand, to achieve the country’s national aspirations.
“Meanwhile, let us continue to embrace unity, peace, love and tolerance, for those with divergent views. For these are the defining features of our country’s national virtues.
“The late National Hero, Cde Chigudu, demonstrated unquestionable patriotism, loyalty, consistency, and persistence,” Mnangagwa stated.
“These must always be guiding principles for every Zimbabwean as we undertake our different national responsibilities.
“Much more work is still before us. We cannot tire or lose heart. Let us maintain our focus and discipline to build the Zimbabwe we all want. None but ourselves have this weighty obligation.
“We must, therefore, remain bold and confident in our abilities as a proud, truly independent African people with our national character embedded in a rich liberation heritage.”
His call for unity comes amid succession disputes within Zanu-PF. Mnangagwa is allegedly planning to amend the Constitution to allow him to rule until 2030. This means an extension of his current term of office, which ends in 2028, with two more years.
Vice President Constantino Chiwenga, the frontrunner in the race to succeed Mnangagwa, is reportedly opposed to the plan to extend Mnangagwa’s term of office.
Zanu-PF MP Energy Mutodi is planning to table a motion in Parliament proposing amendments, reportedly backed by Mnangagwa.
Mnangagwa appears to have the support of controversial businessmen, such as Wicknell Chivayo and Paul Tungwarara, who have allegedly been donating millions to party members to garner support for the plan.
On the other hand, VP Chiwenga seems to be backed by a section of war veterans who have been publicly criticizing Mnangagwa through press conferences.
In his address, Mnangagwa praised the late National Hero, Chigudu, for demonstrating “unquestionable patriotism, loyalty, consistency, and persistence.”
He emphasised that these qualities should be guiding principles for every Zimbabwean as they undertake their national responsibilities.
