By Dorrothy Moyo | Zimbabwe government spokesperson Nick Mangwana has announced that he is taking a break, but his choice of attire in the announcement has sparked significant speculation. The government official was photographed wearing a traditional military-style outfit reminiscent of the attire worn by Zimbabwean guerrilla fighters during the Rhodesian Bush War and the farm invasions of the 2000s.

The announcement comes amid swirling rumors of internal strife within ZANU-PF, the ruling party.

Reports of growing tensions between factions loyal to President Emmerson Mnangagwa and those supporting his deputy, Vice President Constantino Chiwenga, have dominated political discourse in recent weeks.

Symbolism in Mangwana’s Attire

Mangwana’s outfit—commonly associated with Zimbabwe’s liberation struggle—raises questions about its timing and intent. The visual parallels to military traditions may carry subtle undertones in a political climate marked by speculation of power struggles within the ZANU-PF hierarchy.

Observers have pointed out the significance of Mangwana donning this attire during a period where political alliances within the party are reportedly being tested. Historically, military symbolism has played a central role in Zimbabwe’s political narrative, with clothing serving as a silent yet powerful message.

Heightened Tensions: A Veiled Threat Against VP Chiwenga?

The political landscape is further complicated by recent remarks made by a ZANU-PF provincial chairperson who issued a bold statement targeting Vice President Constantino Chiwenga. The official declared that Chiwenga must “drink crocodile milk” before he dreams of taking over power—an apparent reference to Mnangagwa’s nickname, “The Crocodile,” and his perceived grip on authority.

This statement, combined with Mangwana’s symbolic military attire, is being interpreted by political analysts as a possible warning to Chiwenga and his faction. The use of crocodile symbolism in Zimbabwean politics often reflects loyalty to Mnangagwa and serves as a metaphorical message to rivals attempting to challenge his position.

Analyst Richard Mahuni remarked:

“This could be the clearest sign yet that Mnangagwa’s allies are drawing battle lines and sending a strong warning to Chiwenga. The crocodile imagery is not accidental—it is a reminder of who holds the ultimate power within ZANU-PF.”

Military Influence in Politics

Mangwana’s announcement coincides with the reintroduction of the controversial National Youth Service program, commonly referred to as the “Green Bombers.” Images of uniformed youths undergoing training have resurfaced, evoking memories of the program’s politicized history. The program has been criticized for its association with violence and intimidation tactics during elections.

The resurfacing of military-related imagery—whether in the form of Mangwana’s attire, the “Green Bombers,” or veiled threats to Chiwenga—paints a picture of a ruling party invoking its liberation war legacy as both a rallying point and a warning to dissenters.

Factional Battle Lines

Speculation about Mnangagwa and Chiwenga’s relationship has intensified since their alliance during the 2017 coup that ousted Robert Mugabe. While Mnangagwa took the presidency, Chiwenga has been rumored to harbor ambitions for the top job. Recent events suggest a growing rift, with Chiwenga’s faction reportedly seeking to assert its influence ahead of the 2028 elections.

The symbolic messages conveyed by Mangwana’s attire and the “crocodile milk” remark indicate a deepening of factional politics. Mangwana’s announcement could be interpreted as aligning with Mnangagwa’s camp, sending a message of unity among his allies while signaling potential consequences for challengers.

What Lies Beneath the Surface?

The interplay of military symbolism and political rhetoric within ZANU-PF suggests a calculated effort to consolidate power amid internal divisions. Whether these gestures are mere political theater or a prelude to a broader confrontation within the party remains to be seen.

Nick Mangwana’s decision to pair his leave announcement with military-inspired attire, alongside veiled threats targeting Vice President Chiwenga, has amplified speculation about ZANU-PF’s internal dynamics. As tensions between Mnangagwa and Chiwenga factions rise, these symbolic acts could reflect a power struggle that is quietly brewing but may soon erupt onto the national stage. Observers will be closely monitoring these developments as Zimbabwe’s political landscape continues to evolve.