The simmering tensions within Zanu-PF over President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s alleged ambition to extend his term beyond 2028 have boiled over, manifesting in a public snub of a senior party member.
Tatenda Mavetera, the Minister of Information and Communication Technology and Zanu-PF legislator for Chikomba West, found herself facing a silent protest at a victory rally, a stark contrast to the usual enthusiastic displays of support for party members. Interestingly, CHikomba district is in Mashonaland East province, which happens to be Vice President Constantino Chiwenga’s home province as the former military strongman hails from Wedza.
The event, scheduled for Garwe Stadium in Chivhu, was meant to celebrate Mavetera’s recent electoral triumph. However, the anticipated throng of supporters never materialized, leaving the Minister facing an embarrassing emptiness in the stands. Sources within Zanu-PF, speaking on condition of anonymity, revealed that the event was sabotaged by party members who are deeply opposed to Mnangagwa’s alleged bid for a third term.
“The MP showed up at around 5pm, as she had spent the greater part of the day hoping that the event would attract a bigger crowd,” a Zanu-PF official told The Standard. “Some party officials felt they were undermined and side-lined. They ignored the event and failed to mobilise for attendance. That was caused by some misunderstandings over who is aligned to who because party members went about their business and failed to show up, which is not always the situation at other events.”
The whispers of “ED2030” – a campaign pushing for Mnangagwa’s continued leadership beyond the constitutionally mandated two terms – have become increasingly loud, sending ripples of anxiety through the party. While Mnangagwa has not publicly declared his intentions, his allies have openly championed his continued rule, igniting fierce debate and creating deep divisions within Zanu-PF.
Mavetera, seen as a loyalist to Mnangagwa, has been vocal in her support for his leadership, further fueling the tensions. The lack of support at her rally is seen as a direct consequence of these divisions.
“At other thank-you rallies within the constituency during the same week, Mavetera was forced to address school pupils as party members were in no show,” the Zanu-PF official added.
When confronted with the poor turnout, Mavetera attempted to downplay the significance of the event, claiming it was a district-level celebration and not a major party gathering.
“People came and it was a success, they came and feasted,” Mavetera said. “That was our plan, people would come, eat and go. The thank you rally is a done deal. The problem with Garwe Stadium is that it is an area where people would be busy going about their own business, but we had the rally.”
She went on to dismiss the absence of provincial party members, claiming they were not obligated to attend.
“We had more than 20 celebrations in the whole constituency,” she said. “There were more than 700 people. Of course, they were not as much as expected, but we had the rally and it was a success.”
However, the silence of the crowds speaks louder than words. The incident has exposed the deep-seated divisions within Zanu-PF, highlighting the growing discontent with Mnangagwa’s alleged ambitions. The party, once a monolithic force, is now fractured, with factions vying for power and influence.
The ED2030 campaign, while not officially endorsed by the party, has become a rallying cry for Mnangagwa’s supporters, further deepening the divisions. Critics argue that the campaign is a blatant attempt to subvert the constitution and undermine democratic principles.
