By Dorrothy Moyo | ZimEye | Harare, Zimbabwe – Zimbabwe’s state-controlled newspaper, The Herald, has sparked intense political speculation after publishing an article that subtly elevates Vice President Constantino Chiwenga’s public image, portraying him as a statesman of presidential stature while downplaying President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s authority.
In an article covering Chiwenga’s induction into the Roman Catholic guild, The Herald meticulously crafted an image of a deeply principled, God-fearing, and hardworking leader, a move that analysts see as a deliberate attempt to prepare the public for a potential transition of power.
Chiwenga as a National Leader: The Subtext in The Herald’s Coverage
Rather than portraying Chiwenga in his capacity as Vice President, the state-run paper framed him as a head-of-state figure, highlighting his commitment to national service, discipline, and Christian values.
Key phrases used in the article emphasize:
• His selfless dedication to the country.
• His discipline and work ethic, suggesting a leader who is first in the office and committed to national duty.
• His spiritual and moral grounding, aligning him with Zimbabwe’s traditional values.
Political analysts argue that these strategic portrayals are rarely accidental in Zimbabwe’s tightly controlled state media. Instead, they reflect a broader political narrative being shaped behind closed doors.
Mnangagwa’s Absence: A Deliberate Omission?
One of the most striking aspects of the article is the complete absence of Mnangagwa’s name or reference to his leadership. In state media, particularly The Herald, major political figures are rarely given significant coverage without some mention of the sitting president to reinforce the established power structure.
By presenting Chiwenga as a dedicated national servant without acknowledging Mnangagwa’s leadership, The Herald has inadvertently—or deliberately—suggested that the Vice President is more aligned with the nation’s values and future.
A Signal of Power Shift?
This latest coverage comes at a time when Mnangagwa is facing growing resistance over his controversial attempt to extend his presidency to 2030 by manipulating the Constitution. Reports of an internal power struggle within ZANU-PF and the military have intensified, with Chiwenga seen as the primary contender to challenge Mnangagwa’s rule.
Several key observations suggest that this article is part of a larger effort to reshape public perception:
1. Chiwenga’s Portrayal as a Statesman: The article focused on his leadership qualities rather than his party role, a stark contrast to past portrayals of Mnangagwa as the sole authority.
2. Alignment with the Church: Zimbabwe’s history has shown that political leaders often seek religious endorsements to solidify their public support. The emphasis on Chiwenga’s Catholic faith suggests an effort to present him as a leader of integrity and morality.
3. Work Ethic and National Duty: Statements about his early office hours and national dedication create an implicit comparison with Mnangagwa, who has faced criticism over alleged corruption and ineffective leadership.
The Mnangagwa-Chiwenga Rivalry: A Political Volcano Ready to Erupt?
This portrayal of Chiwenga comes amid growing speculation that he is positioning himself to replace Mnangagwa, either through a negotiated transition or a more forceful political maneuver.
• Recent military movements and Mnangagwa’s increasingly tight security measures have fueled rumors that the president is operating under virtual house arrest.
• The war veterans, a historically powerful force in ZANU-PF politics, have also begun questioning Mnangagwa’s legitimacy, further isolating him within the party.
• The resurfacing of Chiwenga’s 2017 military credentials in state media has been interpreted as a subtle reminder of who orchestrated Mugabe’s removal—and who could do it again.
Is The Herald Preparing Zimbabwe for a Post-Mnangagwa Era?
If The Herald’s Chiwenga-focused narrative continues, it may indicate that state-controlled media is laying the groundwork for an impending leadership transition.
This strategic public relations move is reminiscent of how Mugabe’s exit was foreshadowed in the media before the 2017 coup. The gradual glorification of Chiwenga, coupled with the silence on Mnangagwa, suggests that political forces within ZANU-PF are subtly signaling a shift in power.
What Next?
Zimbabwe now stands at a pivotal moment, with multiple scenarios unfolding:
1. Chiwenga consolidates military and party backing, forcing Mnangagwa out.
2. Mnangagwa retaliates, attempting to neutralize Chiwenga before losing full control.
3. A negotiated settlement emerges, paving the way for a “soft transition.”
With state media playing an increasingly transparent role in shaping this narrative, Zimbabweans are watching closely—because when The Herald starts rewriting history, a new chapter in the country’s leadership is never far behind.- ZimEye