Harare – President Emmerson Mnangagwa has publicly stated that he will not seek an extension to his presidential tenure, pledging to step down in 2028 when his constitutionally mandated two terms come to an end.
Addressing editors from mainstream media outlets in Harare during an Inaugural Meet-The-Editors Session, Mnangagwa sought to quell speculation and reaffirm his commitment to upholding the Constitution.
“I have my two terms and when the time comes, the country and the party will move on by electing my successor,” he stated. “I have said clearly that I have two terms and these two terms are definite. And I am so democratic and when they come to an end, I will step aside and my party will elect my successor that is as clear as day. Those who have other imaginations, we have a democratic society that allows them to dream.”
Mnangagwa took a swipe at those within Zanu PF who are pushing the 2030 agenda, accusing them of not adhering to the party’s core values. “I think those who really are Zanu PF at the heart go by the rules in decorum of Zanu PF,” he said. “We have other people who are in Zanu PF in themselves are not Zanu PF but they dress in the Zanu PF regalia. So we must always see when people talk and they see to which camp they belong as they open their mouths.”
This is reportedly the fourth time that Mnangagwa has publicly insisted that he will not stand in the next elections, despite a resolution passed at last year’s Zanu PF people’s conference calling on the government to prepare for a presidential tenure extension as a “thank-you gesture” for his efforts towards reviving the economy.
Former Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) spokesperson, Fadzayi Mahere, dismissed Mnangagwa’s declaration as a mere public relations exercise. “Does he plan to cause any amendments to the Constitution? If his parliamentary super-majority changes the Constitution to extend his term, will he ‘comply’?” she questioned. “This face-saving, word-twisting approbation and reprobation simply doesn’t cut it.”
The church has also weighed in on the matter, urging Mnangagwa to resist the “seduction of power.” Last month, church leaders warned that extending the presidential term and postponing the 2028 elections would be “an invitation for the President to be a co-conspirator in overthrowing the Constitution of the country which the President is elected to uphold, respect and defend.”
During the meeting with editors, Mnangagwa attributed the challenges within Zanu PF to individuals “pretending to be party members” with the intention of dividing it. He also pledged to avoid anyone who attempts to persuade him to stay in power beyond his constitutional limit. “I will persuade the persuaders not to persuade me,” he stated. “It is not easy to have everybody on board at the same time. But as we move on, people will understand the trajectory.”
Mnangagwa acknowledged the economic challenges facing the country, stating that he wished the economy was “better than where we are.” He attributed these challenges to global economic headwinds, adding that “we are doing our best to manage our economy.” However, he expressed optimism about the agricultural sector, noting that “recently, we have had good rains. And our economy is agriculture-driven. We are having a good season. It’s a huge impetus for a positive trajectory for the growth of our economy.”
Asked about the slow progress in the fight against corruption, Mnangagwa likened the anti-graft campaign to a “barking dog,” promising that it would eventually “stop barking and bite.”
Critics continue to urge Mnangagwa to take decisive action against his loyalists who are pushing the 2030 agenda, arguing that a clear message is needed to demonstrate his commitment to constitutionalism and a peaceful transfer of power. The coming months will be crucial in determining whether Mnangagwa’s words will be matched by concrete actions, and whether Zanu PF can overcome its internal divisions to ensure a smooth transition in 2028.
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