ZANU PF’s secretary for legal affairs, Patrick Chinamasa, has joined the growing list of party officials endorsing President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s term extension to 2030. Chinamasa recently visited Manicaland and, during a provincial coordinating committee meeting, chanted the Mnangagwa 2030 slogan. In a video obtained by NewsDay, Chinamasa emphasized that Mnangagwa would still be ruling in 2030.
Mnangagwa has been accused of using allies and party structures to gauge support for his bid to extend his term in office. His supporters have coined the slogan, “VaMnangagwa vanenge vachipo kusvika 2030” (Mnangagwa will be with us till 2030). However, the Constitution does not allow anyone to lead beyond two presidential terms.
Provincial chairperson Tawanda Mukodza confirmed Chinamasa’s involvement in the restructuring meeting in Mutare. “Comrade Chinamasa was assigned to Manicaland for the restructuring exercise,” Mukodza said. He praised the province’s unity after their resounding win in the 2023 elections.
Despite repeated attempts, Chinamasa was not available for comment. Midlands Provincial Affairs Minister Owen Ncube has also publicly supported extending Mnangagwa’s term beyond 2028.
Political analysts have voiced concerns over this movement. Rejoice Ngwenya called it dangerous, indicating that anything could happen within ZANU PF. Tendai Reuben Mbofana noted that some party members might be opportunists. “They are testing the waters,” he said. “If they misread the situation, they could end up like Saviour Kasukuwere and Jonathan Moyo, who now operate outside the country.”
ZANU PF’s director of information, Farai Marapira, denied any factionalism within the party, stating that everyone supported Mnangagwa.
Last weekend, a gathering of apostolic sects for a national prayer in Chitungwiza turned into a campaign rally for Mnangagwa’s presidency.
The push for Mnangagwa’s term extension continues to stir debate, with both supporters and critics watching closely as events unfold. This development reflects the ongoing political dynamics within Zimbabwe’s ruling party.
Source: Newsday
