President Emmerson Mnangagwa has hinted at a potential cabinet reshuffle in early 2025, a move widely interpreted as a response to escalating factionalism within Zanu-PF and the controversial “ED2030” campaign pushing for an extension of his presidency beyond his constitutionally mandated term limit in 2028.
The “ED2030” campaign, primarily championed by the Zanu-PF youth and women’s leagues, has met with resistance from key factions within the party, including the military and war veterans.
This division is further exacerbated by accusations of using the campaign to sideline Vice President Constantino Chiwenga in the succession race, with Chiwenga notably absent from any public endorsements of the slogan. The campaign’s tactics, including the distribution of empowerment starter packs at youth rallies, have been criticised as attempts to buy support for a constitutional amendment that would allow Mnangagwa to extend his tenure.
President Mnangagwa himself alluded to a potential cabinet reshuffle during his Christmas Day interview with ZBC. While stopping short of naming names, he emphasised the importance of performance and accountability, stating, “This is the season to reflect, not just on personal matters, but on professional performance. Those entrusted with leadership must evaluate their contributions to the people of Zimbabwe.”
He further indicated that a decision on the composition of his cabinet would be made after January 1st, 2025, suggesting a reshuffle is imminent. His remarks have sparked widespread speculation about which ministers might be affected.
Zanu PF director of information, Farai Marapira, acknowledged the ongoing internal discussions, stating, “It’s the right of every party member to have an opinion, that’s the vibrancy of democracy, that’s the whole issue about democracy, that’s the vibrancy of Zanu PF, democracy alive in Zanu PF.”
However, another senior party member predicted that any open challenges to Mnangagwa or his policies are unlikely before the next elective congress in 2027, warning that potential dissenters would likely be “sabotaged and neutralised.”
A recent meeting of Zanu-PF youths at the Dadaya youth training camp in Zvishavane held two months ago, where support for the 2030 agenda was openly pledged, drew significant criticism. While Minister Tinoda Machakaire and others claimed the meeting was purely for youth empowerment, the timing – days before the party’s annual conference which was held in Bulawayo – and the open promotion of the ED2030 agenda have fuelled accusations of political maneuvering.
The General Chiwenga Voluntary Supporters Association, a group claiming to represent military veterans, women’s associations, and youth associations, also openly criticised John Paradza, Zanu-PF deputy youth secretary, accusing him of orchestrating the Dadaya meeting and promoting the controversial plan.
Critics within Zanu-PF argue that the focus on the ED2030 slogan distracts from pressing issues such as rampant corruption, inefficiency, and the country’s struggling economy, leaving ordinary citizens to endure abject poverty.
The ongoing internal strife is further highlighted by reports of planned protests against suspended Children of War Veterans Association of Zimbabwe (COZWA) leader Munyaradzi Shoko, a vocal critic of the 2030 agenda, in Midlands and Masvingo provinces. Chaplain Chirume, a Zanu-PF member in Midlands, confirmed these plans, stating, “We are against those attacking our party and our President. Our leader is President Emmerson Mnangagwa until 2030, that is when we are going to start to talk about succession…”
