By Political Reporter-Zanu PF members loyal to Vice President Constantino Chiwenga have banned the use of the “ED2030” slogan, which supporters of President Emmerson Mnangagwa had promoted as a vision for his extended rule.

This move reflects growing discontent among Chiwenga’s allies over Mnangagwa’s third-term bid and signals increasing resistance within party ranks.

The confrontation took center stage on Sunday during the party’s Harare provincial coordinating committee meeting.

Chiwenga supporters openly challenged Harare Zanu PF chairperson Godwills Masimirembwa and party national commissar Munyaradzi Machacha, questioning the promotion of a slogan tied to Mnangagwa’s controversial 2030 vision.

Chiwenga’s allies demanded answers on why the party has tolerated the ED2030 slogan when Mnangagwa himself announced in October that he would not seek re-election.

In a tense exchange, Machacha reportedly reassured attendees that Zanu PF would elect a new leader in 2027, with the selected candidate leading into the 2028 general elections.

He emphasized that Mnangagwa’s term would officially end in 2028, seemingly undercutting the push for the 2030 slogan.

However, Mnangagwa’s loyalists have continued lobbying for an extension of his term, arguing that his leadership is essential for Zanu PF’s long-term stability.

The tensions underscore a broader power struggle within the ruling party, where factions loyal to Mnangagwa and Chiwenga have vied for dominance since the military-led coup that ousted longtime leader Robert Mugabe in 2017.

Although Mnangagwa initially rose to power with Chiwenga’s backing, the two camps have since developed opposing visions for Zanu PF’s future leadership, fueling speculation about who will ultimately succeed Mnangagwa.

Zanu PF spokesperson Farai Marapira, currently in China, declined to comment on the latest developments surrounding the controversial slogan, leaving questions lingering over the future direction of Zanu PF’s leadership.