New Title For VP Chiwenga
23 January 2025
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By Munacho Gwamanda- Acting President Constantino Chiwenga has assumed an unflattering new role: Zimbabwe’s “Funeral President.”

In less than a week, Chiwenga has presided over multiple high-profile burials of Zanu PF stalwarts, the latest being Justin Mupamhanga, a retired Central Intelligence Organisation (CIO) heavyweight and board chairperson of Kuvimba Mining House.

This follows the burials of three other senior Zanu PF officials—Major General (Retired) Solomon Siziba, Chen Chimutengwende, and John Shumba Mvundura—whom Chiwenga laid to rest on his third day as acting President.

These consecutive funerals, along with a troubling pattern of deaths among Chiwenga’s allies since the 2017 coup, underscore an alleged systematic purge aimed at weakening his influence within Zanu PF.

Mupamhanga, who joined the liberation struggle in 1975, carved a distinguished career in intelligence, economic strategy, and governance.

After independence, he rose through the ranks in the CIO, eventually becoming Deputy Director (External Intelligence) in 1992.

His career highlights include managing drought relief efforts during the 1992 famine and the 2001–2002 food crisis, restructuring the National Oil Company of Zimbabwe during a fuel crisis, and spearheading the transformation of ZESA into business units.

In 2012, he was appointed Deputy Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet, overseeing critical government programs and projects.

Mupamhanga’s death marks another blow to Chiwenga’s power base, as over 20 military and political figures linked to his faction have died under mysterious circumstances since the 2017 coup.

The deaths of prominent figures such as Foreign Minister Sibusiso Moyo and Agriculture Minister Perrance Shiri—both key players in the 2017 coup that ousted Robert Mugabe—have fueled speculation of a deliberate strategy to dismantle Chiwenga’s network.

Political insiders allege that President Emmerson Mnangagwa has reneged on a 2017 “gentlemen’s agreement” to serve two terms before handing power to Chiwenga.

Mnangagwa’s recent intentions for constitutional amendments to extend his presidential tenure have further alienated Chiwenga’s camp and intensified factional rivalries.

“Mnangagwa has breached the agreement,” a senior Zanu PF official said. “The elimination of Chiwenga’s loyalists is not coincidental—it’s a calculated strategy to consolidate his grip on power.”

The rivalry between Mnangagwa and Chiwenga has thrown Zanu PF into turmoil.

Analysts warn that the rift could spark another violent power struggle within the party, threatening Zimbabwe’s fragile political stability.
“Mnangagwa’s survival depends on parliamentary loyalty and a neutralized military,” said Enery Mutodi, a Mnangagwa ally. “But if Chiwenga’s camp feels cornered, they might act decisively, even risking another coup.”

Chiwenga’s diminishing support within the military—a base he once commanded—further complicates his political ambitions.

With each passing funeral, the Vice President’s circle of allies shrinks, casting doubt on his ability to mount a credible challenge against Mnangagwa.