Reports suggest looming cabinet shake-up amid push to extend Mnangagwa’s term

HARARE – Reports have emerged suggesting that senior officials within Zimbabwe’s ruling Zanu-PF party and government may soon face a sweeping reshuffle and purge following the conclusion of the party’s recent National People’s Conference in Mutare.

According to the unconfirmed reports, the impending changes are expected to affect both the party and government, as President Emmerson Mnangagwa seeks to consolidate control amid growing tensions over succession and the proposed extension of his presidential term.

Among the alleged adjustments, sources claim that Presidential Adviser and party spokesperson Christopher Mutsvangwa could replace Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri as Zanu-PF National Chairperson, while former State Security Minister Owen “Mudha” Ncube is tipped to succeed the current Minister Lovemore Matuke.

Businessman Kudakwashe Tagwirei is reportedly being lined up to replace Public Service Minister July Moyo, while outspoken former MP Temba Mliswa could take over from Lieutenant General Anselem Sanyatwe as Sports Minister.

Either businessman Paul Tungwarara or Kindness Paradza are also rumoured to be in line to replace Youth Empowerment Minister Tinoda Machakaire.

Neither the government nor ZANU-PF have officially confirmed the reported reshuffle, but the speculation comes as the ruling party faces internal friction following the adoption of a controversial resolution to extend Mnangagwa’s tenure by two years, from 2028 to 2030.

Zanu-PF Secretary for Legal Affairs, Ziyambi Ziyambi, told delegates during the Mutare conference that both the party and government had been instructed to initiate “the requisite legislative amendments” to give effect to the extension, citing the need for “continuity and stability.”

President Mnangagwa, who came to power following the 2017 military coup that removed Robert Mugabe, has repeatedly said he does not intend to overstay in office. However, the latest developments, coupled with ongoing purges raise suspicions about his true intentions.

Chiwenga, who has been the frontrunner in the race to succeed Mnangagwa, is fiercely opposing the 2030 agenda. He told delegates during the just ended conference that vision 2030 was for economic development only.

The upcoming purges are expected to sideline Chiwenga’s allies and consolidate Mnangagwa’s power.