Zimbabwe’s Political Soap Opera: ZANU-PF’s Succession Tug-of-War
Ah, the ZANU-PF conference—where political drama unfolds like a season finale of your least favorite soap opera. Seriously, if I had a dollar for every time a political party turned into an unwieldy beast of factional fighting, I could probably fund a few therapy sessions for all these leaders! So, let’s break down the squabbling that occurred recently at the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair.
The conference revealed glaring rifts within ZANU-PF, the party that seems to have mastered the art of pretentious loyalty while efficiently navigating a minefield of ambition. Think of it like a reality TV show, but the characters have even less self-awareness. Tensions flared, much like your aunt who insists on bringing her homemade fruitcake to Christmas dinner, as Vice President Constantino Chiwenga’s loyalists were blocked from attending. It’s a strong move akin to saying, “You’re not invited to my birthday party because you like puppies and I only like cats.”
While Mnangagwa’s loyalists managed to push through a rather controversial resolution allowing the old man—who’s 82, bless him—to stretch his rule effectively to 2030, Chiwenga’s supporters are another story. They’re desperately clutching onto any semblance of power, hoping that this isn’t the point in the plot where everyone gets thrown into a Shakespearean tragedy. Chiwenga for President! (but no pressure, right?)
Now, let’s divert our attention to some truly comical moments. Imagine the provincial youth league commissar, Kudakwashe Damson, being stripped of his official vehicle. I mean, that’s like taking away a kid’s bike because they didn’t clean their room! And just to add a comedic twist to this already absurd situation, some officials were even kicked out of ZANU-PF WhatsApp groups. I can just envision the messages: “You’ve been removed from the group. Have a great life without our meme sharing and strategic plotting!”
Oh, and the cash incentives? Apparently, some officials thought, “Why not bribe our way to a better argument?” It’s astonishing how these political players act as if they’re trying to negotiate a complex trade deal for Pokémon cards rather than leading a nation. You’d think they’d know better, but the words “logic” and “politics” rarely appear in the same sentence in Zimbabwe. Chiwenga, bless his heart, stood firm against the ED2030 sloganeering. He’s like the last person at a party trying to convince everyone to turn the music down. “Just let me leave with my dignity!”
Despite all these shenanigans, we have Mnangagwa’s loyal lieutenant, Patrick Chinamasa, confirming that the president solemnly claimed he wouldn’t extend his tenure. That’s rich coming from a party that notoriously beats around the bush more than a lumberjack in a garden center. But former Foreign Affairs Minister Walter Mzembi seems convinced a third term might just be in the cards, hinting at pre-prepared scenario papers. Who knew the Ministry of Justice doubled as a scriptwriting service for political plot twists?
As we dive deeper into this chaotic narrative, we hear from constitutional law expert Tendai Biti, who doesn’t hold back in warning that the extension may plunge Zimbabwe into chaos. He’s not wrong—whenever we see constitutional amendments intertwined with desperate power grabs, it’s like watching a fast-moving train heading for a cliff. Meanwhile, Lovemore Madhuku added his two cents, predicting a series of blunders. Watching them try to negotiate constitutional changes could be as entertaining as watching a clown try to juggle flaming torches—exhilarating but dangerous!
As political analysts weigh in on the drama, we can’t ignore the military’s ever-persistent shadow lurking in the background, manipulating these events as if they’re mere puppets on a string. It’s like a game of chess where the pawns think they’ve got a chance but are truly just sacrifices for the greater good of the king. I mean, imagine if the military had a YouTube channel. “How to Win Political Power Without Even Contesting an Election 101.”
So, with the ED2030 agenda floundering like a fish out of water (or a politician out of touch), and factions fighting like toddlers over toys, one can only wonder how ZANU-PF will navigate these treacherous waters in the lead-up to the next election. Buckle up, folks! This political rollercoaster ride is just getting started.
The recently concluded ZANU-PF conference has starkly highlighted escalating divisions within Zimbabwe’s ruling party as factions begin to strategically position themselves for an imminent power struggle regarding the succession of President Emmerson Mnangagwa. Tensions notably escalated during the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair, where reports emerged that officials affiliated with Vice President Constantino Chiwenga faced significant barriers, being reportedly blocked from entering the event, thus raising critical questions about party loyalty and shifting power dynamics.
In a bold move, loyalists of Mnangagwa managed to push through a contentious resolution aimed at amending the party’s constitution. This change effectively paves the way for the 82-year-old leader to prolong his presidency beyond the conclusion of his current term in 2028. Such a maneuver has ignited vehement resistance from factions rallying behind Chiwenga, who aspire for him to ascend to the leadership helm of ZANU-PF.
As the conference unfolded, stark reports emerged of several officials linked to the Harare provincial executive, suspected of allegiance to Chiwenga’s camp, being forcibly expelled from the event venue shortly after its commencement on Friday. Notable figures among those removed included provincial youth league commissar Kudakwashe Damson and secretary for lands Eddie Ringwa, illustrating the depth of factionalism within the party.
In an act reflecting the schism, Damson faced the humiliation of having his official vehicle confiscated just prior to his departure for Bulawayo, following a turbulent central committee meeting helmed by provincial chairman Goodswill Masimirembwa. The rift became even more pronounced when multiple suspected supporters of Chiwenga were reportedly ousted from ZANU-PF-linked WhatsApp groups in both Harare and Mutare, showcasing the extent of the factional divide.
Further tensions surfaced as allegations emerged that certain officials endeavored to sway conference delegates through financial incentives aimed at discrediting Chiwenga during the proceedings. Notably, Chiwenga chose to distance himself from the ED2030 campaign narrative, refraining from endorsing slogans that call for Mnangagwa to govern until the year 2030 in his address.
While ZANU-PF officially adopted the resolution to amend the constitution and eliminate term limits, party secretary for legal affairs Patrick Chinamasa asserted that Mnangagwa had made it clear that he would not endorse this recommendation. Chinamasa emphasized, “His Excellency is emphatic that when 2028 comes, he will not serve beyond that date,” highlighting the tumultuous internal conflict regarding the party’s future leadership.
Former Foreign Affairs Minister Walter Mzembi has contended that the advocacy for a 2030 agenda is systematically orchestrated, with the belief that Mnangagwa will ultimately be convinced to accept it. Mzembi remarked, “If you want to see how serious this matter is, go to the Ministry of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs, where scenario papers were produced ready to be actualized based on this much-awaited conference resolution.”
Constitutional law expert and former Finance Minister Tendai Biti expressed grave concerns that the faction promoting a third term could thrust Zimbabwe into chaos. “For Emmerson to contribute to that and reverse history… he is setting himself up for a disastrous hurricane,” Biti warned, reflecting the anxieties surrounding potential consequences of such a constitutional alteration.
Legal expert Lovemore Madhuku voiced similar apprehensions, affirming that pursuing a constitutional amendment to eliminate term limits would likely prove impractical. He indicated, “They are likely to be making one blunder after another, so they cannot even succeed legally.”
Political analyst Eldred Masunungure suggested that the implications of the resolution could be more of a strategic bargaining tool among party leaders, especially considering the military’s notable influence in Zimbabwean politics. “This is not just a party matter; the military has a strong vested interest in how the issue is settled,” he pointed out.
As the ED2030 agenda continues to encounter significant resistance, uncertainty looms over the future leadership of ZANU-PF. The divisions laid bare at the conference could lead to profound implications as factions intensify their struggle for power in anticipation of the upcoming electoral cycle.
