Zimbabwe’s ruling party, Zanu-PF, faces deepening factionalism as President Emmerson Mnangagwa and Vice President Constantino Chiwenga engage in a bitter succession struggle.
Mnangagwa warned against indiscipline, opportunism and ideological indecisiveness at the 21st Zanu-PF Annual People’s Conference in Bulawayo last week.
The conference saw Mnangagwa loyalists force through a constitutional amendment resolution to extend his rule. Chiwenga backers faced exclusion, including officials from Harare’s provincial executive.
Mnangagwa’s address cited unity and ideological clarity, describing Zanu-PF as “a moving train, welcoming new members while safeguarding against divisive elements.” However, the party’s unity is threatened by escalating tensions.
The rift intensified after Midlands and Masvingo provinces chanted the contentious “ED2030” slogan during the conference, advocating Mnangagwa’s extended rule beyond 2028, contradicting the constitution’s two-term limit.
Exiled former Zanu-PF national political commissar Saviour Kasukuwere condemned this push as “political irresponsibility” aimed at undermining Mnangagwa.
Kasukuwere demanded accountability from those behind the move, stating they should be dismissed for embarrassing the Vice President and creating national commotion.
“Pushing this 2030 resolution by the Provincial Chairman was the height of political irresponsibility and attempt to destroy Mnangagwa,” Kasukuwere stated.
“They (Provincial Chairmen pushing the 2030 agenda) made their bed and they must lie in it. ED rejected this idea in Russia and China publicly including in Mutare. He deserves the credit and he has been consistent.
“So the question is, who was funding the project, embarrassing the VP in the process and the fact that a whole movement was engineered to create commotion in the country.
“If those at the top want to restore any credibility, they should sack the Chairmen and nip in the bud the pretenders and garrulous individuals behind it.
“They wasted money, time and focus, yet did not bring to conference serious business affecting the people. The nation is grappling with a huge drought, yet nothing of that was carried in their resolutions?
“These are a group of excited court jesters who are dangerous to ED, the party and country. Restore discipline or things will fall apart.
Mnangagwa has consistently rejected the idea, emphasising his commitment to the constitution.
But his failure to stop his supporters from advocating for the extension of his reign raises questions about his sincerity.
Patrick Chinamasa, Zanu-PF’s Secretary for Legal Affairs, said Mnangagwa was committed to constitutional integrity emphasising his role in drafting Zimbabwe’s constitution, which limits presidential terms to 2028.
“So, where we stand, distinguished delegates, is that of all the resolutions, there is one resolution which cannot be implemented without the express consent and agreement of His Excellency, President Dr Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa.
“And on Monday, when he told me this, he said, feel free to tell them you consulted me, which is what I am conveying to you this afternoon.
“So, we will have our resolution, but I think we must understand, coming from here, that it will not go anywhere, because His Excellency is emphatic that when 2028 comes, he will not serve beyond that date.
“He is very emphatic that he had a hand in the drafting and crafting of this constitution, and he cannot be seen nationally, globally, to be the first to violate what he put in place,” he said.
Chiwenga’s supporters, under the General Chiwenga Voluntary Supporters Association, recently criticised Zanu-PF Deputy Youth Affairs Secretary John Paradza’s endorsement of the 2030 plan.
They praised Chiwenga’s leadership, military background and dedication to Zimbabweans, vowing unwavering support.
The conference saw Mnangagwa loyalists force through a constitutional amendment resolution to extend his rule.
Chiwenga backers faced exclusion, including officials from Harare’s provincial executive. Suspected Chiwenga loyalists were blocked from attending or removed from party WhatsApp groups.
