Some Zanu PF activists are voicing concerns that the campaign to extend President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s term could mirror the challenges and controversies of former President Robert Mugabe’s final years in power.
Loyalists backing Mnangagwa have intensified the push for his presidency to continue until 2030, with Justice Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi announcing his ministry’s readiness to facilitate the required constitutional amendments.
Bikita South MP Energy Mutodi, a long-time ally of Mnangagwa, confirmed his involvement in proposing a parliamentary motion to extend the president’s term by two years. Mutodi’s proposal also includes prolonging the lifespan of the current Parliament by an additional two years.
However, dissenting voices within Zanu PF have emerged. In an audio recording obtained by The Standard, a politburo member from Mashonaland Central expressed alarm over the escalating campaign, warning it could lead to instability reminiscent of the events that preceded Mugabe’s removal in 2017.
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The official in the recording criticized the sycophantic behavior of some party members, stating:
“The G40 faction caused turmoil, and we all remember what happened. This is how it begins, with excessive bootlicking like we’re seeing now.
“I am familiar with all 101 political districts, and I can assure you that no resolutions were passed in support of the president ruling until 2030—not even in our Mt Darwin district.
“We don’t want a repeat of 2017. Leaders should leave power while they still enjoy the support of the people and the party. Let’s learn from what happened to Mugabe. We cannot afford to repeat history.”
When asked for comment, Zanu PF director for information Farai Marapira defended the initiative, stating that all party members are expected to support the motion to extend Mnangagwa’s term.
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