Senior Zanu PF officials are increasingly failing to attend President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s official functions, a trend that political observers say points to widening rifts and behind-the-scenes manoeuvres in the ruling party’s simmering succession battle.
The latest flashpoint emerged through a strongly worded letter written by Mashonaland West provincial chairperson, Mary Mliswa-Chikoka, who expressed outrage at the no-show by top provincial leaders during a high-profile event attended by Mnangagwa.
At the 21st Chinhoyi University of Technology (CUT) graduation ceremony held last Thursday, Mnangagwa presided over proceedings and capped 3,130 graduands. Yet despite the significance of the occasion and the President’s presence, the only senior government official in attendance was Women’s Affairs, Community and SMEs Deputy Minister Jennifer Mhlanga. The absence of Members of Parliament, central committee representatives, and other provincial heavyweights did not go unnoticed.
Mliswa-Chikoka blasted the boycott as deliberate sabotage. “What message are you sending when you deliberately absent yourselves from events graced by the First Secretary of our party?” she fumed in her letter to provincial leaders. “How can we take seriously those who campaign aggressively to attend the Zanu PF people’s conference, yet show no commitment to supporting the President’s programmes in their own province?”
She went further, warning that continued absenteeism would be interpreted as disloyalty and a calculated attempt to undermine Mnangagwa’s authority. To reinforce her frustration, Mliswa-Chikoka threatened to “name and shame” the culprits if the pattern persisted.
Those accused of ignoring the CUT event despite receiving invitations include central committee and district coordinating committee members Phineas Makumbe, Thomas Chidzomba, Christine Gwati, Precious Masango, Tapera Mtovido, Elisha Bhokoro, Archy Ganizani and Rudo Munyonga. Only politburo member Douglas Mombeshora excused himself, citing pressing government business.
This episode adds to a growing list of instances where senior Zanu PF and government officials have dodged key functions. In Parliament, ministers and deputies have been repeatedly criticised for skipping question-and-answer sessions, drawing reprimands from both the National Assembly and the Senate. Analysts suggest the mounting defiance is symptomatic of deeper political fractures within the ruling establishment.
At the heart of these tensions lies the unresolved question of succession. Factions have crystallised within Zanu PF, with one bloc rallying behind Mnangagwa and advocating constitutional amendments or political manoeuvres to extend his rule beyond the current term limit. The rival camp, aligned with Vice-President Constantino Chiwenga, is reportedly mobilising quietly, with the ultimate goal of propelling him into State House.
Senior Zanu PF Officials Snub Mnangagwa’s Events Amid Growing Succession Tensions
Complicating matters further is the rising influence of businessman Kudakwashe Tagwirei, who is increasingly viewed as a wildcard in the succession race. With vast financial resources and close links to key powerbrokers, Tagwirei is seen by some as capable of reshaping Zanu PF’s internal dynamics and determining who emerges victorious in the battle for the presidency.
Insiders interpret the Chinhoyi boycott as more than just poor attendance — they see it as a subtle form of political protest and a calculated message to Mnangagwa. In the opaque world of Zanu PF politics, loyalty is often measured by physical presence at rallies, graduations, funerals, and other state occasions presided over by the party leader. To deliberately absent oneself, especially in numbers, is a bold statement that could signal the early stages of a creeping rebellion.
Observers argue that what is unfolding is a “coup in slow motion” within the ruling party. Rather than open confrontation, rival factions are using absences, whispers, and strategic disengagement to weaken Mnangagwa’s hold on power while avoiding outright disciplinary action. If the pattern continues, it could erode party unity ahead of the 2028 elections, leaving Zanu PF more vulnerable than at any time since its formation.
For now, Mnangagwa still maintains firm control over state institutions and the levers of government, but the boycott episodes highlight how fragile his grip on party loyalty may have become. With succession talk intensifying, every missed event and every empty seat at presidential functions will be scrutinised for hidden meaning.
As the road to 2028 unfolds, the question remains: will Mnangagwa manage to rally his party behind him for another term, or will the silent resistance currently playing out in boycotts and absences solidify into an organised push to usher in new leadership?
What is clear is that Zanu PF’s unity façade is beginning to crack — and the absence of its senior officials at presidential events is fast becoming the most visible sign of those fractures.
Source- ZimEye
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