A fierce political storm has erupted within Zanu PF after the party’s Secretary for Legal Affairs, Ziyambi Ziyambi, issued a blistering response to Vice President Constantino Chiwenga’s sensational seven-page document that accused President Emmerson Mnangagwa of constitutional manipulation and presiding over rampant corruption.
The response, reportedly sanctioned by Mnangagwa himself, was tabled before the Presidium and Politburo on September 17, setting the stage for one of the most intense internal showdowns since the 2017 military-assisted transition that ousted the late former president Robert Mugabe.
Chiwenga’s document had accused Mnangagwa of plotting to extend his rule beyond the 2028 constitutional limit under what he termed the “2030 Agenda,” and of shielding business allies accused of looting billions from the state. Ziyambi’s reply, however, describes the claims as “reckless, unfounded, and treasonous.”
Ziyambi Tears Into Chiwenga’s Claims
In his document titled “Response to an Untitled Document Presented to His Excellency the President on 17 September 2025,” Ziyambi systematically addressed each of Chiwenga’s accusations — dismissing them as politically motivated and lacking evidence.
He argued that Operation Restore Legacy, the 2017 military intervention that toppled Mugabe, was a collective effort supported by the people and not the heroic act of a few individuals.
“Operation Restore Legacy was about removing alleged criminals around the former President,” Ziyambi wrote. “To portray Mugabe as the manipulator is false — he was a victim of those around him.”
He also credited businessman Kudakwashe Tagwirei for having materially supported the operation through fuel and food supplies for the military, challenging claims that only the generals had made sacrifices during the transition.
Defending the “2030 Agenda”
Responding to accusations that Mnangagwa was attempting to extend his term, Ziyambi said the 2030 Agenda originated from resolutions passed at the 2024 Zanu PF Conference, which, according to the party constitution, are binding.
“The President is a constitutionalist. If the people have spoken, should he ignore their will?” Ziyambi asked, stressing that amending the Constitution is legal under Section 328.
He accused Chiwenga of “ignorance of party processes” and warned that attempts to challenge the conference resolutions could amount to acts of subversion.
On Corruption Allegations
Ziyambi strongly refuted claims that key Mnangagwa allies — including Tagwirei, Wicknell Chivhayo, Scott Sakupwanya, and Delish Nguwaya — had stolen over US$3.2 billion from state coffers, describing the allegations as “defamatory and baseless.”
He insisted that the transactions mentioned by Chiwenga, such as the Kuvimba Mining House stake sale, were legitimate and carried out with Cabinet approval.
“These were lawful commercial transactions. Labelling them theft is grossly misleading,” he said.
Ziyambi further argued that accusing private businesspeople without trial violated constitutional principles and discouraged investors from engaging with Zimbabwe.
Rebuking ‘Disrespect to the President’
The legal affairs chief castigated Chiwenga for what he described as a “personal and intrusive attack” on the President’s private office, calling such remarks “immature and disrespectful.”
“Undermining the authority of the President is a criminal offence under the Constitution,” Ziyambi warned, saying such actions threatened national peace and stability.
He also dismissed allegations that the Land Tenure Implementation Committee and party affiliates were being hijacked by businessmen, explaining that both initiatives were approved by Cabinet and the Politburo.
Ziyambi Labels Chiwenga’s Document ‘Treasonous’
In his conclusion, Ziyambi accused Chiwenga of attempting to “resurrect the spirit of November 2017,” warning that any moves to destabilise a constitutionally elected government could amount to treason.
“The document is fundamentally flawed and seeks to unlawfully remove a sitting President,” Ziyambi said. “Its intentions are dangerous and echo the language of hostile foreign actors.”
He also condemned the leaking of Chiwenga’s report to the media, saying it violated the Official Secrets Act, and urged party members to undergo ideological re-orientation to reinforce loyalty to Zanu PF and its leadership.
The public fallout between Mnangagwa and Chiwenga — once close allies during the 2017 takeover — signals a deepening succession war within the ruling party.
Ziyambi’s response, heavy with legal and political firepower, reflects a clear bid to consolidate Mnangagwa’s control ahead of the 2028 election and to crush dissent within the top ranks.
As the Zanu PF Annual Conference in Mutare continues, the battle lines between the two camps appear more entrenched than ever — with implications that could reshape Zimbabwe’s political landscape in the years to come.
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