By Political Reporter—President Emmerson Mnangagwa has won his bid to rule beyond 2028 after all Zanu provinces endorsed his 2030 agenda at Zanu PF’s 21st National People’s Conference in Bulawayo, raising the stakes in the simmering power struggle between Mnangagwa and his ambitious deputy, Vice President Constantino Chiwenga.
With calls for Mnangagwa to extend his rule beyond the constitutional two-term limit, the conference has spotlighted the growing factional tension and heightened fears of an internal showdown, with speculation mounting about the possibility of a coup attempt.
Mnangagwa’s bid to cement power until 2030 has intensified concerns within Zanu PF.
As delegates chanted “2030 for Mnangagwa,” provincial leaders, including those from Harare and the Midlands, openly supported constitutional amendments that would grant Mnangagwa either a third term or an indefinite extension.
The chorus of support—from Mashonaland to Matabeleland—emphasized the party’s unity behind Mnangagwa’s leadership, effectively sidelining succession discussions that some insiders expected would take center stage.
Harare Province Chairman Godwills Masimirembwa led the charge, proclaiming loyalty to Mnangagwa and echoing calls from other provinces to extend his leadership.
The endorsement left little room for dialogue on leadership transition, a topic politically sensitive as Mnangagwa’s relationship with Chiwenga becomes increasingly strained.
Although Mnangagwa’s speech at the conference focused on unity and discipline, his language hinted at a growing unease over factionalism within Zanu PF ranks.
“Zanu PF is a moving train, always ready to welcome new members,” Mnangagwa said. “However, party systems must be tightened against infiltration by divisive elements and malcontents who have no regard for the political order that is guaranteed by the supreme Party Constitution.”
Mnangagwa avoided direct reference to the “2030 Agenda” endorsement but underscored loyalty to party principles.
Citing Article 3, Section 19 of Zanu PF’s constitution, he reminded delegates of their duty to the party and its leadership, condemning “ideological indecisiveness” and warning against “opportunists” who might undermine the party’s unity.
Meanwhile, Chiwenga’s allies—concerned that the 2030 push may sideline him indefinitely—have reportedly grown increasingly frustrated, with whispers of potential action mounting.
Chiwenga, a former military general instrumental in bringing Mnangagwa to power in 2017, is seen by some as a likely challenger.
Speculation has surged that he might orchestrate another military-backed intervention if Mnangagwa’s ambitions push him further to the margins, echoing the tactics that ended Robert Mugabe’s decades-long rule.
Political analysts have dubbed the conference a “rubber-stamp” event, suggesting that it offered little opportunity for open debate about the party’s future or succession.
Mnangagwa’s repeated insistence on “discipline” within Zanu PF has been interpreted as a strategic move to reinforce loyalty in the face of internal dissent.
By positioning the 2030 agenda as a priority, Mnangagwa may be preparing for further constitutional changes that allow him to extend his term indefinitely.
The president also seized the opportunity to commend Zanu PF’s recent election successes, underscoring the importance of the party’s multi-functional membership database—a tool that will streamline party structures and enable more responsive development planning.
Yet, Mnangagwa also criticized reports of “chaotic records” in certain districts, implying that some party officials are using disorganized databases to manipulate internal power dynamics.
Mnangagwa’s 2030 ambitions could place him on a collision course with Chiwenga, as the vice president’s faction evaluates its options in the escalating battle for Zanu PF’s future.
The question looming over Zimbabwe’s political landscape is whether Chiwenga, who has publicly remained silent, might eventually leverage his military influence to counter Mnangagwa’s efforts to cement his power indefinitely.
The outcome of this power struggle could reshape Zimbabwe’s political trajectory, with the spectre of another coup hanging in the balance as the ruling party’s leadership fractures.