By Munacho Gwamanda- Ministers pushing for President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s continued stay in power were left humiliated on Monday as Vice President Constantino Chiwenga shot down their agenda during the burial of national hero Justin Mupamhanga at the National Heroes Acre.

Among those in attendance were Agriculture Minister Anxious Masuka, Justice Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi, Information Minister Jenfan Muswere, Deputy Speaker of Parliament Tsitsi Gezi, and traditional leader Chief Negomo—all known Mnangagwa loyalists who have been vocal in advocating for the President’s unconstitutional extension beyond the two-term limit.

However, Chiwenga, who has been growing increasingly assertive in recent months, made it clear in his speech that any attempt to override the constitution would not be tolerated. 

In what many interpreted as a direct rebuke to Mnangagwa’s inner circle, Chiwenga emphasized the importance of constitutionalism, reminding those present that Zimbabwe is for all democracy.

“We all swore to a shared future where everyone has a seat at the table, a culture of equal opportunity where every Zimbabwean serves equally,” Chiwenga declared. “But this culture of selfishness, greed, and corruption, where a few get rich through ill-gotten wealth, must end. Vision 2030 is for all Zimbabweans, not just for these so-called ‘mbingas’ — those we used to call ‘zvigananda’ during the war.”

Throughout Chiwenga’s speech, Mnangagwa’s ministers sat stone-faced, their body language betraying discomfort as their push for an unconstitutional extension was openly dismissed.

Observers noted that Ziyambi Ziyambi, who has been the legal architect behind Mnangagwa’s power consolidation efforts, appeared particularly uneasy.

Muswere, a key propagandist in state media narratives, was seen avoiding eye contact, while Chief Negomo, known for his dramatic public loyalty to Mnangagwa, kept his head down.

Chiwenga’s remarks are being interpreted as a clear warning that Mnangagwa’s faction should abandon any hopes of extending his presidency beyond his constitutional term limit. 

With growing factionalism in Zanu PF, this latest development further fuels speculation that Chiwenga is positioning himself as the rightful successor to Mnangagwa.

Political analysts suggest that the military faction, which has historically backed Chiwenga, is growing impatient with Mnangagwa’s maneuvers to cling to power.

The burial of Justin Mupamhanga—himself a longtime operative in Zimbabwe’s security sector—provided the perfect stage for Chiwenga to reaffirm his authority before key party and military figures.

Despite the public humiliation, Mnangagwa’s loyalists have remained silent, with no official responses from the ministers present. 

However, insiders indicate that there is growing panic within Mnangagwa’s camp following Chiwenga’s speech.