New ‘de-facto faction headquarters’: Mnangagwa’s Kwekwe farm event exposes Zanu-PF’s secret plan for ED’s Third Term bid

Kwekwe – Allegations of deception and manipulation are swirling following a recent gathering of Zanu-PF affiliates at President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s Precabe Farm outside Kwekwe.

Attendees claim they were unwittingly drawn into a campaign to extend Mnangagwa’s term beyond the constitutionally mandated two terms, a move that has ignited controversy within the ruling party.

The event, held on 24 November, ostensibly focused on agricultural learning, according to Information Communication Technology, Postal and Courier Services Minister Tatenda Mavetera, who leads the Young Women for ED affiliate. Mavetera insisted their presence was for “modern farming practices from the president” and denied any endorsement of a 2030 campaign to extend Mnangagwa’s presidency.

“People have their own thoughts and we will not subscribe to that. We did not go to the farm to endorse the president’s term (extension),” she stated.

She further clarified that their attendance served to congratulate Mnangagwa on successfully hosting a SADC extraordinary summit earlier in November, addressing the security situation in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. “The president has already stated his position on term extension,” she added.

“We went to the farm on an educational tour, to get an appreciation of the farm as a nation that relies on agriculture as well as to congratulate his Excellency on his appointment as SADC chair.”

However, sources who attended paint a different picture. They reveal that the event, organised by Zanu-PF commissar Munyaradzi Machacha, quickly morphed into a platform for promoting the “ED2030” agenda – a campaign pushing for the removal of presidential term limits to allow Mnangagwa to remain in power indefinitely.

Over 140 guests, some travelling from as far as Bulawayo and Harare, were reportedly surprised by this turn of events. The guests, drawn from various Zanu-PF affiliates including Young Women 4 ED and Vapositori 4 ED, were reportedly made to chant ED2030 slogans.

The source, requesting anonymity, described the event as “choreographed and well-coordinated”.

“Last Sunday, close to 140 individuals representing about 160 organisations which are affiliated to Zanu PF were invited to the president’s farm in Kwekwe by Zanu PF national commissar Machacha,” the source said.

“During the event, leaders of these affiliates were put in an awkward position. They were made to chant the ED 2030 slogan, which is an expression of the intention to unconstitutionally prolong the president’s term beyond 2030. In fact, the overriding sentiment expressed during the meeting was that Mnangagwa should rule indefinitely.“

Adding insult to injury, attendees received only a loaf of bread and a pack of potatoes each as a parting gift, leaving many feeling used and disgruntled. This meagre offering further fuelled resentment among those who felt manipulated into supporting a campaign they did not initially endorse.

The event highlighted a division within Zanu-PF regarding the ED2030 campaign. A second source revealed that many affiliates privately oppose the plan to extend Mnangagwa’s term, fearing a repeat of the Mugabe era.

“A number of these affiliates are not supportive of this plan to extend the president’s second term which ends in 2028, but they find themselves in a very difficult position when they are requested to show their true colours at the president’s farm,” the source explained.

“Leaders representing some of these affiliates are opposed to this plan to prolong Mnangagwa’s term. The general sentiment is that those who are behind the idea do not realise that they are making the same mistake that Mugabe made. Of course, a number of leaders of these affiliates have personally benefited by supporting the ED 2030 agenda, but the majority of these affiliates are against the idea.”

This internal conflict is further underscored by the contrasting views expressed by different Zanu-PF figures. Vendors 4 ED chairperson Misheck Chisvo openly declared his support for Mnangagwa’s continued rule beyond 2028, stating, “With regards to the president extending his term we would really appreciate it if the president continues beyond 2028. Many achievements have been made by the second republic under the stewardship of President Mnangagwa and we want him to continue steering the ship.”

However, Mnangagwa himself has repeatedly stated his intention to respect the constitution and not seek another term. This apparent contradiction leaves many questioning the true extent of his involvement in the ED2030 campaign. His silence on the matter has fuelled speculation of tacit support.

The party’s official stance, as voiced by Zanu-PF spokesperson Christopher Mutsvangwa, emphasizes that the decision rests with the electorate.

“The membership at the Bulawayo October conference were acting within the provisions of the 2013 constitution, which envisaged the prospect of a third term but only as a reward and honour to a deserving incumbent president,” Mutsvangwa stated.

“The onus is on the electorate expressing itself through referenda as spelt out in the constitution. Let’s get it clear, the constitution has absolutely no provision for the incumbent president to demand a third term. He is thus essentially a passive player in such an enterprise.”

Constitutional experts highlight the complex process involved in removing presidential term limits, requiring constitutional amendments and two referenda before 2028. The differing opinions within Zanu-PF, coupled with the alleged manipulation of affiliates at Precabe Farm, suggest a significant internal struggle over Mnangagwa’s future and the direction of the party.