President Emmerson Mnangagwa has delivered a sharp warning to elements accused of working against Zanu-PF from within, telling party members that those unwilling to align with the party’s vision should step aside rather than derail its progress.
Speaking yesterday at a Central Committee meeting held at the party’s national headquarters in Harare, Mnangagwa said unity was non-negotiable as Zanu-PF prepares for the 2028 harmonised elections. He reminded delegates that no individual or faction was bigger than the party, which has ruled Zimbabwe since independence in 1980.
“There is no one person or group of people who own the party. There is no one who is superior to others. Collectively, we are what Zimbabwe is; we are what Zimbabwe can be. Never look down upon yourselves or others,” Mnangagwa said to applause.
In a metaphor aimed at dissenters, the President warned that attempts to obstruct the party’s momentum would not succeed. “If you want to stop the Zanu-PF train, beware of getting crushed. You can wait on the sideway and remain quiet. When your energy comes back, you can then rejoin the train.”
Mnangagwa’s comments come amid growing factional battles within Zanu-PF, particularly over succession. Some of his allies are pushing for a constitutional amendment that would allow him to remain in office until 2030. That push has sparked anger among those insisting he must respect the constitutional limit and retire at the end of his second term in 2028.
The President has previously stated that he will step down when his current tenure ends. However, speculation continues to dominate political discussions, with senior party officials openly divided on whether the party should back an extension.
Observers say Mnangagwa’s call for discipline is a response to the escalating jostling for positions and influence within the ruling party. Analysts also view his remarks as an attempt to reassert authority and steady the ship ahead of the 2028 polls.
Mnangagwa Warns Saboteurs in Zanu-PF, Calls for Unity Ahead of 2028 Elections
Beyond succession politics, Mnangagwa directed stern words at party cadres involved in corrupt activities. He stressed that Zanu-PF, as the governing party, must lead by example through integrity and clean governance.
“Party cadres serving as office bearers in local authorities and in the National Assembly are challenged to remain embedded in communities, addressing their needs through tangible and transformational projects,” he said.
He urged leaders not to “trivialise or take for granted the trust and confidence bestowed on us by the people when they resoundingly voted for our colossal party.”
The President reiterated that corruption and abuse of office alienate the party from the people, undermining Zanu-PF’s standing. “Corruption of any kind and excesses that alienate us from the people can never be condoned. Integrity, discipline, and unity must be synonymous with Zanu-PF,” he emphasised.
Mnangagwa also called on Central Committee members to strengthen mobilisation efforts at grassroots level. He highlighted the need for loyalty, integrity, and a collective focus on national development under the government’s National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1) and Vision 2030 blueprint.
“All Zimbabweans are welcome in Zanu-PF, and all of us have a role to play for the prosperity of our beloved motherland,” Mnangagwa declared. “Our mandate is to deliver development that transforms lives across all communities.”
The President reminded his audience that Zanu-PF’s strength has always been built from the grassroots, stressing that leaders should remain closely connected with citizens rather than distancing themselves once in positions of authority.
In his closing remarks, Mnangagwa urged the party to remain focused on strategies that will ensure another electoral victory in 2028. He said discipline, loyalty, and service to the people would safeguard Zanu-PF’s legacy as the liberation movement that continues to govern Zimbabwe.
“Our colossal party must remain united, strong, and focused. Only through loyalty, discipline, and service to the people will we secure a resounding victory in 2028,” he said.
Party insiders note that the Central Committee meeting came at a time when the party is grappling with internal contradictions and growing unease over succession. Yet Mnangagwa’s message was clear: unity must prevail above all else.
As the party begins its long campaign towards 2028, the President’s speech appears aimed at setting the tone—reining in factionalism, stamping out corruption, and ensuring that Zanu-PF presents a united front to the electorate.
Whether his warnings will silence dissent remains to be seen. But Mnangagwa has made it clear that, in his view, the survival and strength of Zanu-PF is more important than any individual ambitions.
Source- Bulawayo24
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