HARARE – A faction within ZANU-PF is reportedly determined to keep President Emmerson Mnangagwa in power until 2030, even if it means going against his stated intentions and potentially violating the constitution. This comes amidst swirling rumours of a succession battle with Vice President Constantino Chiwenga.
ZANU-PF War Veterans League secretary, Douglas Mahiya, has publicly stated that veterans of the liberation struggle will lobby for Mnangagwa to reconsider his decision to step down after the expiry of his second term in 2028. Mahiya made these remarks during the launch of the War Veterans Welfare Fund in Mashonaland West yesterday, an initiative aimed at improving the welfare of former liberation fighters which is being spearheaded by presidential adviser Paul Tungwarara.
In his address during the launch, Mahiya argued that Mnangagwa’s leadership is crucial for the country’s continued development and stability. “We, as war veterans, believe that President Mnangagwa’s vision and leadership are indispensable to Zimbabwe’s progress. We will engage with the President and persuade him to continue leading the nation beyond 2028,” he said.
Mahiya’s utterances came just a day after Mnangagwa said he would adhere to the constitutionally-mandated two terms. This apparent defiance of the President’s stated intentions highlights the deep divisions within ZANU-PF regarding the succession issue.
Sources within Mnangagwa’s camp claim that the President is legally bound to continue serving as the first secretary of the party and that no further succession will take place outside the resolutions made at last year’s conference in Bulawayo.
The source added, “We are not going to succumb to pressure from a small pressure group with its purported act to overturn the will of the people. We will use any means possible to force the President to adhere to the conference resolution which endorsed him as the sole candidate until and beyond 2030.” The source further stated that Mnangagwa’s withdrawal would be “the greatest betrayal to ZANU-PF structures and violation of our party constitution.”
Meanwhile, when contacted by a news crew on the way forward in making sure that they will adhere to conference resolution number 1 versus recent pronouncement and clarity by Mnangagwa towards staying beyond 2030, the party’s Secretary-General, Obert Mpofu was evasive to answer but claimed that the party will follow what the President said.
“Yes the resolution for him to stay beyond 2030 was made before, during and after our conference held in Bulawayo. My brother, let me tell you the truth, we will only listen to what the President has said. We cannot change or overturn what he said, we just follow,” Obert Mpofu said.
The situation is further complicated by reports of a power struggle between Mnangagwa and his deputy, Constantino Chiwenga. Claims are that the two had a secret and well-planned succession agreement which would first enable Mnangagwa to lead and leave the baton to Chiwenga if he served his constitutional terms. However, facing pressure from war veterans and other circles backing Chiwenga to takeover, Mnangagwa summoned state and few selected privately-owned media editors to announce that he would not seek to serve beyond the maximum limit.
ZANU-PF spokesman, Christopher Mutsvangwa (then) claimed that succession into the party’s helm is done through the ballot not the bullet system. Addressing the media during a press briefing then, Mutsvangwa said the party will only follow what the structures have said and nothing outside that will be entertained.
A viral video has also surfaced where Mnangagwa loyalists (featuring War Veteran Douglas Mahiya, Presidential Advisor, Paul Tempter Tungwarara, among others) are vowing to persuade him to continue serving beyond 2030.
Despite pressure from loyalists backing the most feared and powerful Army Commander, General (Retired) Chiwenga, Mnangagwa is caught in between conference resolution number 1 and pressure to pass the baton his deputy.
The launch of the War Veterans Welfare Fund, which includes an initial allocation of US$150 000 from the War Veterans Fund to the province, is seen by some as a move to shore up support for Mnangagwa among this influential constituency. The fund is projected to grow to US$10 million by June 2025, with each province set to receive US$1 million. Tungwarara emphasised the importance of recognising the contribution of war veterans to the nation’s history and identity. “Together, let us forge a future where our war veterans are celebrated and their contributions are recognised as integral to our national identity,” he said.
Veterans of the Liberation Struggle deputy minister Headman Moyo applauded the initiative, noting its potential to empower war veterans and their communities. “We are very happy about this Presidential Borehole Drilling Scheme because it allows war veterans to undertake different income-generating projects and the surrounding community will also benefit,” he said.
As part of the pilot project, eight solar-powered boreholes have been drilled at war veterans’ homes in Mashonaland West within 48 hours of the launch of the programme.
