The ongoing power struggle within Zimbabwe’s ruling party, Zanu PF, has intensified as President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s faction faces significant pushback from Vice President Constantino Chiwenga’s camp.
As Mnangagwa approaches the end of his second and final term, there have been murmurs within his faction advocating for an extension of his presidency. Supporters claimed this was necessary to complete the ambitious “Vision 2030” agenda. However, Chiwenga’s faction has firmly opposed these efforts, asserting that the former army general should assume leadership once Mnangagwa’s term concludes.
The stakes are high within Zanu PF, and the political landscape is shifting rapidly. Recent developments indicate that Chiwenga’s faction is not only vocal but also taking decisive action against anyone perceived to be undermining their stance. Godwills Masimirembwa, the Harare provincial chairperson, has emerged as a casualty of this power struggle. He has reportedly been targeted for his support of the “2030 Mnangagwa will still be in office” agenda.
Masimirembwa was suspended from his position last week, with the provincial political commissar, Kudakwashe Damson, confirming the action in a letter dated November 14, 2024. The letter detailed accusations of grave misconduct, including a “gross abrogation of the party Constitution and national Constitution.” It highlighted Masimirembwa’s active promotion of the “2030” initiative, which was seen as a direct challenge to Mnangagwa’s leadership.
“It has been noted with utter shock and dismay, the grave acts of misconduct arising from your discharge of duties as Provincial Chairman,” Damson wrote on behalf of the Provincial Disciplinary Committee.
“We believe that the unconstitutional actions being pursued by you are meant to deliberately undermine and impair the standing the legacy of our revered leader, His Excellency, the President, in obvious pursuit of a hidden, selfish and nefarious agenda.”
These internal conflicts have not only resulted in political ramifications but have also led to violent incidents. Recently, Masimirembwa’s offices at the Zimbabwe Legal Institute were petrol bombed, resulting in serious injuries to a security guard. This attack is believed to have been a calculated effort to intimidate Masimirembwa, who has become a prominent figure associated with the slogan “Mnangagwa anenge achitonga,” meaning “Mnangagwa will still be ruling.”
In addition to Masimirembwa, other officials are under scrutiny. Reports suggest that the provincial affairs ministers in Masvingo, Ezra Chadzamira, and in the Midlands, Owen ‘Mudha’ Ncube, are also facing potential suspensions as the internal conflict within Zanu PF escalates. Sources within the party have indicated that these measures are part of Chiwenga’s broader strategy to consolidate power and eliminate dissenting voices.
The political manoeuvring within Zanu PF reflects a deeper struggle for control as the party approaches the next election cycle. With Mnangagwa’s term set to end in 2028, the factional battles are likely to intensify as both sides vie for influence. Chiwenga’s faction appears determined to position itself for a seamless transition of power, while Mnangagwa’s supporters are equally committed to preserving their leader’s legacy.
