In a surprising turn of events, influential Zimbabwean cleric Emmanuel Makandiwa has publicly urged President Emmerson Mnangagwa to allow the safe return of exiled members of the Generation 40 (G40) faction of Zanu PF, while former cabinet minister Saviour Kasukuwere, now in self-imposed exile in South Africa, has declared that Mnangagwa’s days as president are numbered.
“I have so much respect for Walter Mzembi. It is unfortunate that they are in a foreign land as we speak. You look at Walter Mzembi—he is harmless. He is pure. If they can allow them back into their country, it will be a blessing for your nation. There is nothing wrong with that. No one is powerful besides the power that you give them,” said Makandiwa, referring to the former Tourism Minister.
Among the G40 kingpins who sought refuge abroad are former cabinet ministers Saviour Kasukuwere, Walter Mzembi, Jonathan Moyo, and Patrick Zhuwawo. They were vying for leadership in Zanu PF at the height of factionalism within the party in 2017. Following Robert Mugabe’s ouster, Mzembi and Kasukuwere faced corruption charges, which they dismissed as a politically motivated witch hunt.
Makandiwa, known for his involvement in Zimbabwean politics, endorsed Mnangagwa during a church service in 2023. He also claimed to have warned Mugabe during his presidency that he would be deposed and that Mnangagwa would succeed him.
The cleric also used the sermon to encourage Zimbabweans living abroad to return home, despite the country’s ongoing economic challenges. “Zimbabwe is full of blessings. Bring your children who are in the diaspora. They are blessings that have left,” Makandiwa added.
Kasukuwere’s Prophecy and War Veterans’ Discontent
Meanwhile, Saviour Kasukuwere, a former Zanu PF heavyweight and ex-Central Intelligence Organisation (CIO) operative, has weighed in on Makandiwa’s sermon, confirming that the prophet had foretold the events of the November 2017 coup in detail.
Taking to X, Kasukuwere posted: “Powerful sermon by Pastor Makandiwa. He prophesied the coup in detail, the tie am not sure.”
“Once those war veterans say your job is done, that’s the end. He’s hanging around, but the truth of the matter is he’s gone. The most critical branch in Zanu PF is that thing called the war veterans,” Kasukuwere said.
This statement comes as a group of outspoken war veterans, led by Blessed Geza, are planning a nationwide shutdown to force Mnangagwa to step down. Police have issued a warrant for Geza’s arrest on charges of incitement to commit public violence, undermining the authority of the president, and allegedly selling vehicles without the owner’s consent.
Geza, until recently a member of Zanu PF’s central committee before his suspension, said their plan was to mobilise all Zimbabweans to reject Mnangagwa.
Geza, until recently a member of Zanu PF’s central committee before his suspension, said their plan was to mobilise all Zimbabweans to reject Mnangagwa.
Zimbabweans are wary of jumping into Zanu PF factional fights after they backed the military coup against Mugabe, only for the party to regroup and continue its ruinous rule to the exclusion of the opposition.
Geza says that mistake will not be repeated, without disclosing further details.
He said: “We have put mechanisms to make sure the revolution will not be hijacked again. All stakeholders from various parties and civic groups will be consulted on every step we take.
“We want to liberate all, so this should never be viewed as a Zanu PF internal fight. It should never be converted into such.”
“We’re going to call for action soon. Stock up in preparation for a national shutdown as we march to a free Zimbabwe. Fellow Zimbabweans get ready for action, be ready for action once you receive the signal,” he said.
A Divided Nation and the Looming Succession Battle
These developments occur amidst growing tensions within Zanu PF over a potential push to extend Mnangagwa’s term beyond 2028, when his second and final term is due to end. Such a move, which legal experts say would be highly improbable, would likely dash Vice President Constantino Chiwenga’s presidential ambitions.
The situation highlights the deep divisions within Zimbabwe’s ruling party and the uncertainty surrounding the country’s political future. With calls for Mnangagwa’s resignation growing louder and the exiled G40 faction potentially poised for a return, Zimbabwe is entering a period of heightened political intrigue.
Related
