By Staff Reporter
Harare – Vice president Constantino Chiwenga made a bold statement on Tuesday by wearing regalia emblazoned with “2023,” directly opposing the “2030” campaign aimed at extending president Emmerson Mnangagwa’s term until 2030.
In a striking visual contrast, Mnangagwa’s other deputy, Kembo Mohadi, was seen sporting “2030” regalia in the same event, which was captured by state media during a recent Zanu PF Central Committee conference.
The “ED 2030” sloganeering which was first touted in Masvingo, has drawn criticism from Chiwenga supporters, who argue that it contradicts the constitutionally stipulated term limit of 2028.
Chiwenga’s choice to wear the 2023 regalia while Mohadi donned the 2030 attire highlights the underlying succession tensions within Zanu PF.
Reports indicate that a military faction is rallying behind Chiwenga as a potential successor when Mnangagwa’s term expires in 2028.
Proponents of Mnangagwa on the other hand have been advocating for an extension of his presidency beyond the constitutionally mandated 2028, which has led to an increasingly polarized atmosphere within the ruling party.
The newly formed General Chiwenga Voluntary Supporters Association (GCVSA), representing ZIPRA veterans and various Zanu PF affiliates from Bulawayo and the Matabeleland provinces, recently issued a statement denouncing the notion that Mnangagwa should remain in power until 2030.
Chiwenga’s decision to wear the 2023 regalia is not an isolated incident but rather a reflection of the ongoing power struggles within Zanu PF, a party that has grappled with factionalism since the ousting of Robert Mugabe in a military-backed coup in 2017.
The military’s significant influence in Zimbabwean politics adds another layer of complexity.
Political analyst and author Professor Ibbo Mandaza commented on the escalating tensions, stating, “Yes, the power struggle between Mnangagwa and Chiwenga is now in the public domain.”
“It will end badly unless Mnangagwa, whose power base is clearly inferior to Chiwenga’s which is the military, relents and dumps the 2030 mantra,” said Mandaza.