Vice President Constantino Chiwenga’s aspirations to succeed President Emmerson Mnangagwa in 2028 have encountered a significant hurdle, as his own home province, Mashonaland East, publicly endorsed Mnangagwa for an extended term until 2030. This development, orchestrated by Daniel Garwe, Chairman of Zanu-PF’s Mashonaland East Province, has cast a shadow over Chiwenga’s political future.
During a provincial inter-district conference in Goromonzi, Garwe expressed the province’s unanimous support for Mnangagwa to remain in office beyond his second term. “After seeing the positive results in terms of developments that are being done across the whole province, we agreed as a province that President Mnangagwa should stay,” Garwe stated. He highlighted ongoing developments across the province, from Nyamapanda to Chikomba, and conveyed the province’s plea for Mnangagwa to extend his presidency until 2030.
Garwe’s remarks reflect a strategic move to bolster Mnangagwa’s position within the party, with the endorsement suggesting a broader campaign to support Mnangagwa’s potential third term. “We are sending Cde Munyaradzi Machacha to our President; please tell him that your children in Mashonaland East province are asking you to stay in office beyond 2028,” Garwe added.
Chiwenga, who was born in Wedza District of Mashonaland East, had been positioning himself as Mnangagwa’s likely successor. However, the public endorsement of Mnangagwa by his home province represents a significant setback to Chiwenga’s political ambitions. The vice president’s path to the presidency now faces increased obstacles, with his own province publicly rallying behind Mnangagwa’s extended leadership.
Chiwenga’s role in Mnangagwa’s rise to power is well-documented. In 2017, as an Army General, Chiwenga played a pivotal role in the military intervention that ousted former President Robert Mugabe, paving the way for Mnangagwa’s return from exile and subsequent assumption of power. It was widely believed that a pact existed between the two for a seamless transition of power. However, Mnangagwa’s recent actions suggest a potential reneging on this agreement, deepening factionalism within Zanu-PF.
Former cabinet minister Saviour Kasukuwere has condemned the recent push for Mnangagwa’s third term, viewing it as a threat to Zimbabwe’s constitutional order. Kasukuwere criticized the “careless and dangerous” attempt to subvert the constitution, which stipulates that Mnangagwa’s current term should be his last.
He urged various stakeholders, including politicians, clergy, veterans, business leaders, youths, women, and citizens, to unite against this perceived constitutional assault. Kasukuwere described the campaign for a third term as “madness” and called for a collective stand to defend Zimbabwe’s democratic principles. “The current government is yet to complete a year in its second term of office. ED was sworn in for the second and last term on the 4th of September, 2023. To imagine that his minions are already running around motivating for a third term is careless and dangerous,” Kasukuwere said.
He highlighted the need for vigilance against factional efforts disguised as social engagements, stressing the importance of resisting attempts to personalize the country’s future. “The country, therefore, has to stop this madness before the future of our children is personalized. We have to join hands and take a stand against this crude and divisive rhetoric,” he added.
The endorsement of Mnangagwa by Mashonaland East Province represents a critical juncture in Zimbabwe’s political landscape, influencing both Chiwenga’s ambitions and the broader debate on presidential succession. As the political dynamics continue to evolve, the nation remains watchful of how these developments will shape the future of Zimbabwean leadership and governance.
In other news – Prince Kaybee announces he’s looking for new employment opportunities
South African DJ and music producer Prince Kaybee has surprised fans by announcing his intention to explore new career opportunities beyond the music industry. Taking to Twitter on Monday, Kaybee shared that he has designated this week as “looking for a job” week, signaling a proactive approach to expanding his professional horizons.
“I’ve set this week as ‘looking for a job’ week. So in the morning, I walk into spaces that I think will benefit me and talk to the relevant people to give me work. A re yeng,” Kaybee wrote, expressing his determination to find new avenues for growth and income. Read More
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