KEY POINTS
- War veterans support Chiwenga, reject Mnangagwa term extension.
- Constitutional limits disqualify Mnangagwa from seeking another term.
- Internal Zanu PF divisions deepen over succession plans.
Some war veterans, as well as women’s and youth organizations connected to Zanu PF, have rejected proposals for President Emmerson Mnangagwa to continue in office past 2028.
In 2028, this group, which goes by the name General Chiwenga Voluntary Supporters Association, declared their steadfast support for Vice President Constantino Chiwenga as Mnangagwa’s legitimate successor.
Opposition to term extension
Recently, there has been a lot of discussion about Mnangagwa’s possible extension until 2030, especially in Masvingo, where the “ED 2030” slogan initially surfaced.
During a meeting in Dadaya, John Paradza, the deputy youth secretary for Zanu PF, further supported this slogan.
According to New Zimbabwe, the Chiwenga side, on the other hand, swiftly disapproved of the idea, calling such actions a danger to Zimbabwean democracy.
Ntokozo Msipha, the association’s secretary general, issued a statement in which the group denounced Paradza’s remarks and charged that he and his followers were trying to discredit Chiwenga as Mnangagwa’s successor.
“Paradza and his group’s careless remarks are denounced by the General Chiwenga Voluntary Supporters Association. Their claim that Mnangagwa will hold onto power until 2030 is an outright assault on Chiwenga’s legitimacy,” the statement said.
A divided party
The Chiwenga group chastised Zanu PF members who supported Mnangagwa’s longer tenure, such as Robson Mavhenyengwa, the provincial chairperson of Masvingo, and other influential individuals like Ezra Chadzamira, the minister of state for Masvingo.
Despite constitutional term restrictions, these MPs have openly backed Mnangagwa’s retention in office until 2030.
Section 91(2) of Zimbabwe’s Constitution stipulates that the president may only serve two terms, with Mnangagwa’s second term coming to an end in 2028. Furthermore, Section 328(7) prohibits the incumbent president from reaping the benefits of any amendment that would increase the term limit.
Calls for Mnangagwa to remain in office, according to Chiwenga supporters, are undemocratic and threaten the nation’s constitutional order.
According to Msipha’s statement, “Paradza and his faction represent a desperate minority attempting to cling to power through undemocratic means,” emphasizing that Chiwenga enjoys the support of the people in Bulawayo, Matabeleland North, and Matabeleland South.
Chiwenga’s backing grows
Chiwenga has long been seen as a pivotal player in Zimbabwean politics, having been instrumental in the military takeover that overthrew former President Robert Mugabe.
He is seen as Mnangagwa’s logical successor by his followers, especially those from the Zimbabwe People’s Revolutionary Army (ZPRA) and other ZAPU-aligned organizations.
“General Chiwenga has unparalleled leadership and dedication to Zimbabwe. We remain committed to helping him take on his proper leadership role in 2028,” the association said.
The Masvingo governorship election on November 16 may turn into a major battleground for both sides due to growing tensions inside Zanu PF.
Although Mnangagwa has not yet made his position on a possible term extension public, party splits are growing more noticeable as the 2028 elections draw near.
