In a dramatic turn of events, President Emmerson Mnangagwa has conducted a significant reshuffle of ZANU PF’s politburo, with Secretary General Obert Mpofu becoming the most prominent casualty. Mpofu has been demoted following his reassignment to the less influential position of Secretary for Information Communication Technology (ICT), marking a clear demotion within the party’s hierarchy.
As the secretary-general of the party (formerly called Secretary for Administration), Obert Mpofu chaired the infamous November 2017 Zanu PF Central Committee meeting that recalled Robert Mugabe as President and replaced him with Mnangangwa, who had just been fired as Vice President by Mugabe, before being helped by General Constantino Chiwenga to flee to South Africa. This reveals how powerful, and potentially dangerous the position he has been removed from is.
The shake-up occurs amidst growing instability and intensifying factional battles within the ruling party, as it prepares for its National People’s Conference scheduled for next month in Mutare. These internal conflicts have cast a shadow over the party’s unity and raised questions about the future leadership.
Taking over from Mpofu as Secretary General is Jacob Mudenda, while Patrick Chinamasa assumes Mudenda’s previous portfolio. Further changes include the deployment of Justice Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi as Secretary for Legal Affairs, solidifying the reshuffling of key positions within the politburo.
Announcing the changes, ZANU PF spokesperson Christopher Mutsvangwa emphasised the immediate effect of the redeployments. “This reorganisation underscores the Party’s enduring commitment to the policies, tenets and ethos of ZANU PF and the Permanent Zimbabwe Revolution in service to the people and the nation of Zimbabwe,” said Mutsvangwa, highlighting the party’s dedication to its core principles.
Factionalism continues to plague ZANU PF, with differing opinions emerging regarding President Mnangagwa’s future. Some members are advocating for him to extend his stay beyond the constitutionally mandated two terms, while others support Vice President Chiwenga as his potential successor, creating further divisions within the party.
Adding to the unfolding drama, ZANU PF spokesperson Christopher Mutsvangwa has effectively cautioned Vice President Constantino Chiwenga to shelve his presidential ambitions. This comes as factional battles intensify within the ruling party ahead of next month’s National People’s Conference in Mutare, setting the stage for a potentially explosive showdown.
The party has been rocked by sharp divisions over President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s succession, with several provinces pushing for him to remain in power beyond his constitutionally mandated two terms, which end in 2028. This push has further fuelled tensions between rival factions vying for control of the party’s future.
Addressing journalists at ZANU PF headquarters on Monday, Mutsvangwa issued a clear warning to the faction rallying behind Chiwenga, urging them to shelve their ambitions until the party’s elective congress in 2027. This directive underscores the party’s efforts to maintain unity and prevent premature campaigning for the presidency.
“It is a democratic party. There is palpable prosperity being delivered to Zimbabwe and the membership of ZANU PF is happy with that man. They have not seen anything to blemish him. They say if it ain’t broke, do not fix it. Let’s wait for the date. That debate should not be for all of ZANU PF. Yes, there are some people who cannot wait to rule,” said Mutsvangwa, highlighting the party’s satisfaction with President Mnangagwa’s leadership.
Chiwenga is widely considered a potential successor to Mnangagwa, although loyalists of the incumbent are reportedly plotting to amend the constitution to extend his tenure. This internal power struggle has created a climate of uncertainty and speculation within the party.
Tensions escalated recently after Chiwenga allegedly presented a dossier in the politburo, exposing corrupt dealings by a clique of businessmen closely linked to the ruling party. The dossier reportedly contained evidence of illicit activities and raised questions about the integrity of certain individuals within the party’s inner circle.
Without directly naming Chiwenga, Mutsvangwa confirmed that the politburo dismissed the dossier outright, casting doubt on its credibility. This decision has further fuelled speculation about the internal dynamics and power struggles within ZANU PF.
“There are some people who are urging on one of the people in the presidium to be in a confrontational mood with the whole politburo. It is not good for that member. I am not talking to him, I am talking about people who are urging him on,” Mutsvangwa stated, hinting at external influences attempting to destabilise the party.
“To survive a war is a matter of lucky and once you survive and you begin to see virtue in yourself then you are not respecting those who you left behind. We never fought the war as generals. We fought as commanders. There were no Generals in the war,” Mutsvangwa added, drawing parallels between the party’s current challenges and its historical struggles.
“The president said there was this dossier which came from somewhere and the politburo said we do not deal with dossiers which do not come from proper institutions,” said Mutsvangwa, reiterating the party’s stance on the matter.
The demotion of Obert Mpofu, coupled with the caution issued to Constantino Chiwenga, underscores the complex power dynamics and factional struggles within ZANU PF. As the party prepares for its National People’s Conference, the future leadership and direction of the party remain uncertain.
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