A storm is brewing in Zimbabwean politics following comments made by Sengezo Tshabangu, self-proclaimed secretary-general of a faction within the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC).
The visit to Precabe farm, where “2030” slogans were reportedly being chanted, set the stage for Tshabangu’s controversial remarks. However, his spokesperson, Nqobizitha Mlilo, has since clarified that the statement was made in jest.
Mlilo explained to The Standard, “It is evident President Mnangagwa joked about the effect of criticism on the ruling party, that is, ‘so that the ruling party stays in power’,” He continued, “It is absurd gaslighting to say, by that cordial bantering, Senator Tshabangu endorsed 2030. Even much more absurd is to say Senator Tshabangu endorsed a third term for President Mnangagwa.”
Mlilo vehemently denied that Tshabangu supports a 2030 agenda or a third term for President Mnangagwa.
He stated, “It is inconceivable that anyone, much so, President Mnangagwa would want to have a third term. Any rational person would know that there is no national utility, or for that matter, personal utility, in a third term for President Mnangagwa. It is such a repugnant and repulsive idea that it will be opposed.”
He further emphasised that the 2030 agenda remains an internal matter for Zanu-PF, stating, “Let us emphasise again for the millionth time, the issue of 2030 has not been presented to any national institution of state or government. It is a matter internal to Zanu PF. If it is presented, we will ask the simple, but canvassing question: why? Is it necessary, not for an individual, but for the country and nation? If there is cogency and sense in the answers, we ask how we do it in a constitutionally compliant manner.”
Political analysts have weighed in on the controversy, with varied perspectives. Vivid Gwede criticised Tshabangu’s “joke” as being in extremely poor taste, stating, “Whether or not he meant what he said, Tshabangu doesn’t represent anyone. If Tshabangu is interested in jokes, he should make skits with other comedians rather than joking about national matters. Zimbabweans are coming to a situation where former president Robert Mugabe had to go through a process that included the army because he didn’t want to step down. Zimbabweans are worried about the repetition of the same script.”
The incident has sparked broader concerns about the potential for a repeat of the events surrounding the removal of former President Robert Mugabe, who was forced from office after attempts to extend his rule despite declining health and a collapsing economy.
Ignatius Sadziwa, co-ordinator of the Zimbabwe Election Advocacy Trust, urged citizens and civil society to actively reject the 2030 agenda, stating, “What transpired at the President’s farm is a historically significant and ominous development that cannot be ignored. We are at a critical juncture in our nation’s history, and the response of opposition parties, civil society, and the citizenry will determine the trajectory of our democracy.”
Eldred Masunungure, another political analyst, described the 2030 agenda as tragic and criticised Tshabangu’s subsequent backtracking. He commented, “It must be deeply embarrassing (for Tshabangu) to somersault after an avalanche of well-deserved criticism. The tragedy is that he really does not have a constituency to be accountable to, having parachuted himself to the lofty political positions without a single vote. He is now reaping the heavy political costs of his monumental miscalculation.”
The controversy surrounding Tshabangu’s comments highlights the deep-seated anxieties within Zimbabwe regarding the potential for an unconstitutional extension of presidential power.
