Ziyambi’s Double Reversal: Mnangagwa’s Role in 2030 Term Extension Sparks Controversy
By Dorrothy Moyo | ZimEye | ZANU PF Politburo member and Justice Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi has found himself at the center of controversy, this time doubling back on his own admission that President Emmerson Mnangagwa is orchestrating efforts to extend his presidential term to 2030. This follows a leaked video in which Ziyambi revealed a deliberate strategy to frame the term-extension proposal as a grassroots initiative, while simultaneously denying Mnangagwa’s involvement in the program—a claim many view as contradictory and deceptive.
The Mnangagwa-controlled state publication, The Herald, recently reported that the term-extension push was entirely driven by the “general membership” of ZANU PF and was neither initiated nor influenced by the President. The report cited Ziyambi as saying that Mnangagwa had no hand in the motion, labeling any suggestion to the contrary as “preposterous.”
However, insiders and critics have pointed out glaring inconsistencies in Ziyambi’s claims. The program to extend Mnangagwa’s term was reportedly launched at Mnangagwa’s own rural farm last weekend, where the President himself presided over the announcement. This directly contradicts Ziyambi’s assertions that Mnangagwa was uninvolved in the matter and paints a picture of carefully crafted political theater designed to shield the President from allegations of constitutional manipulation.
The Double Reversal
In his statements, Ziyambi insisted that the extension push was purely the will of ZANU PF members, stating:
“At no time did President Mnangagwa say he wants this or that, about the issue of 2030. It is us as the people and general membership of ZANU PF who expressed our desire about what we want him to do.”
Yet, Ziyambi’s earlier remarks in a leaked ZBC clip paint a different picture. In that footage, he openly admitted that the narrative being pushed is deliberately constructed to give the impression that Mnangagwa is uninvolved:
“When you are asked, you must say we are the ones who came up with the call to lengthen President Mnangagwa’s term… even myself when I shall meet him, I shall sound like he has no clue about it.”
This statement now serves as a stark contradiction to his latest public stance. Critics accuse Ziyambi of engaging in deliberate misinformation to manipulate party structures and public perception.
Grassroots Resistance and Constitutional Concerns
While Ziyambi attempts to portray the term-extension drive as a product of grassroots demand, dissenting voices within ZANU PF have challenged this narrative. A group of party members recently released a statement condemning the push, questioning when and where party structures allegedly agreed to such a resolution.
“Where did we agree as ZANU PF people from the grassroots structures on coming up with this term extension resolution? Don’t lie to us. It never happened,” read part of the statement.
The critics argue that the term-extension proposal violates Zimbabwe’s constitution, which limits presidential terms to two five-year terms. Mnangagwa, who secured a contested victory in the 2023 elections, is currently set to leave office in 2028. Extending his term would require an amendment to the constitution, which many view as an affront to democratic principles.
A Manufactured Crisis?
The unfolding drama has cast doubt on the integrity of ZANU PF’s internal processes and the authenticity of the term-extension campaign. Observers note that the initiative’s launch at Mnangagwa’s rural farm undermines claims that it is a grassroots movement. Instead, they argue it reflects a top-down approach meant to consolidate Mnangagwa’s grip on power while maintaining a façade of constitutionalism.
The timing of Ziyambi’s conflicting statements further adds to the confusion, with critics accusing him of attempting to manage public backlash while toeing the party line.
What’s Next for ZANU PF?
The controversy highlights deep divisions within ZANU PF and mounting resistance to Mnangagwa’s leadership. As the battle over the proposed term extension unfolds, the ruling party faces growing scrutiny over its adherence to constitutional principles and its ability to maintain unity in the face of internal dissent.
For now, Ziyambi’s double reversal has only fueled speculation about Mnangagwa’s true intentions and the lengths his administration is willing to go to secure a prolonged stay in power.– ZimEye