By Political Reporter — A fierce showdown is unfolding between President Emmerson Mnangagwa and Vice President Constantino Chiwenga as they battle for control of the ruling Zanu PF party during its annual conference, which kicked off Wednesday in Bulawayo.

Tensions have reached a boiling point after two senior party officials openly rebuked Chiwenga, making it clear there was “no vacancy” in the highest office of the land.

Among them, Justice Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi, a close Mnangagwa ally, sought to dismiss the media’s focus on Mnangagwa and Chiwenga’s rivalry, accusing reporters of fabricating divisions.

“I hear this from you, the media. We actually sit down and laugh about what is being written. We’re aware of the stories that suggest fictitious divisions that do not exist,” Ziyambi said. He assured that party leaders would appear united, though this unity was questioned by party insiders and critics alike.

Echoing Ziyambi’s stance, Information Minister Jenfan Muswere also attempted to play down the rift on Thursday, claiming “unity, love, comradeship, and harmony” prevail in the Zanu PF Presidium.

Muswere dismissed any rumours of discord as “overzealous misdirected energies of half-wits on social media” trying to undermine the party’s unity.

However, Mnangagwa’s allies have recently stepped up their endorsements, with Local Government Minister Daniel Garwe publicly backing Mnangagwa’s continued rule. Garwe praised the President’s Vision 2030 agenda as “guided by God” and cautioned that any attempt to displace Mnangagwa would be futile.

“Leaders are chosen by God,” he stated, suggesting that Mnangagwa’s leadership was divinely sanctioned.

These statements have aggravated Chiwenga’s supporters, who accuse Mnangagwa of reneging on a 2017 pact to step aside for Chiwenga following the coup that ousted long-time leader Robert Mugabe.

The Vice President’s camp is now rallying to challenge Mnangagwa’s faction, claiming the President is blocking Chiwenga’s path to power as the 2028 election approaches.

Mnangagwa is reportedly mobilizing his own faction to secure his hold over the party and prevent Chiwenga’s anticipated ascent.

This deepening power struggle has raised fears of destabilization within Zanu PF, further exacerbated by Zimbabwe’s severe economic challenges. Rising inflation, unemployment, and deteriorating living conditions are fueling public unrest, complicating Zanu PF’s internal conflict as it struggles to maintain control.