By NewZimbabwe.com
Harare – War veterans have voiced strong support for vice president Constantino Chiwenga, dismissing efforts to extend president Emmerson Mnangagwa’s term beyond 2028 as misguided.
Recent discussions to keep Mnangagwa in power until 2030, particularly prominent in Masvingo where the “ED 2030” slogan was first touted and gained traction, have drawn sharp criticism.
Zanu PF deputy secretary for youth, John Paradza, recently echoed these sentiments at a gathering in Dadaya, further igniting tensions within the ruling party.
The newly formed General Chiwenga Voluntary Supporters Association, which represents ZIPRA veterans and various Zanu PF affiliates from Bulawayo and the Matabeleland provinces, issued a statement condemning Paradza’s remarks.
Secretary General Ntokozo Msipha emphasized that such declarations undermine democratic principles and challenge Chiwenga’s legitimacy.
“The General Chiwenga Voluntary Supporters Association stands united against the reckless statements made by Paradza and his faction,” Msipha stated.
“Their claim that Mnangagwa will remain in power until 2030 is not only a blatant affront to democracy but also a direct attack on Umkhwenyana, General Chiwenga, who is recognized as the rightful leader for our nation moving forward,” added Msipha.
Msipha further characterized Paradza and his supporters as a desperate minority seeking to cling to power through undemocratic means.
“We will not sit idly by while rogue elements attempt to tarnish General Chiwenga’s name and disrupt the progress of our country,” said Msipha.
Calls for Mnangagwa to extend his presidency have been led by several party figures, including Masvingo Provincial Chairperson Robson Mavhenyengwa and Minister of State Ezra Chadzamira.
Chadzamira openly stated earlier this year, “We know that constitutionally the President is not supposed to continue in office after 2028, but if there is an opportunity, we will humbly request that he remains in office until 2030.”
However, Zimbabwe’s Constitution clearly prohibits such an extension.
Section 91(2) disqualifies Mnangagwa from running in 2028, and Section 328(7) prevents incumbents from benefiting from any constitutional amendments extending term limits.
In her statement, Msipha asserted, “General Chiwenga’s leadership is not up for debate.
“His military expertise and commitment to the people of Zimbabwe are unmatched,” added Msipha.
The association vowed to resist any efforts by Paradza’s faction, describing their confrontational rhetoric as a “declaration of war against the true will of the people.”
As the political landscape remains volatile, Mnangagwa has previously stated publicly that he does not intend to extend his term beyond 2028, despite ongoing speculation regarding his ambitions to consolidate power within Zanu PF.
Source – NewZimbabwe.com
