President Emmerson Mnangagwa has ignited a fresh wave of political discourse by urging Zanu-PF members to fully embrace the party’s conference resolutions, most notably the controversial “2030 agenda.” This agenda proposes extending his presidential term beyond its constitutional limit in 2028, a move that has stirred debate and raised questions about the future of Zimbabwe’s political landscape.
Despite President Mnangagwa’s previous assurances that he would step down in 2028 to pave the way for a new leader, the ruling party has seemingly adopted a different course. Addressing politburo members, Mnangagwa stressed the importance of collective responsibility in implementing the conference resolutions, setting clear timelines for their execution.
“Collectively, as the politburo and respective heads of departments of the party, we are the secretariat of the central committee. We must, therefore, make sure that the conference resolutions and decisions of the central committee are implemented with clear matrix and laid out timelines,” he stated, underscoring the party’s commitment to the 2030 agenda.
The 2030 resolution is viewed by some insiders as a strategic manoeuvre to potentially sideline Vice President Constantino Chiwenga from succeeding Mnangagwa. The political landscape is further complicated by the reported emergence of businessman Kudakwashe Tagwirei as a potential presidential contender, adding another layer of intrigue to the succession dynamics within Zanu-PF.
Mnangagwa also took the opportunity to commend the party for its strategic workshops aimed at recalibrating leadership roles. He urged members to remain steadfastly guided by the party constitution and its founding principles, emphasising the importance of discipline and cautioning against the misuse of social media, which he believes is fueling internal discord.
“Our colossal revolutionary mass party, Zanu-PF, must remain above individuals and personalities, beginning right at the grassroots levels. Political and socio-economic conversations, as well as economic empowerment activities in our communities, should remain guided by our party’s founding aims and objectives,” Mnangagwa asserted, highlighting the need for unity and adherence to the party’s core values.
Concluding his address, the President implored politburo members to conduct themselves with integrity, restraint, and discipline in all their dealings, ensuring that the party’s image remains untarnished.
Meanwhile, Zanu PF Harare province chairperson Godwills Masimirembwa has called upon religious leaders to publicly commit to the resolution advocating for President Mnangagwa’s extended tenure until 2030. This appeal underscores the party’s efforts to garner broad support for the controversial agenda.
Masimirembwa, speaking at the launch of Masowe4ED, a newly formed Zanu PF affiliate, urged faith leaders to set aside their doctrinal differences and unite behind national development goals. He emphasised that collective action was essential for driving Zimbabwe’s economic transformation.
“We stand firmly committed to resolution 1 as a guiding pillar for our collective progress. It is vital that faith leaders set aside doctrinal differences and unite in purpose,” he said. “Only through such unity can we achieve the national economic transformation that Zimbabwe urgently needs.”
Masowe4ED, along with other Zanu PF affiliates under NAMFED, recently staged a march in Glen Norah in support of Mnangagwa and Vision 2030, demonstrating the growing momentum behind the President’s extended tenure.
NAMFED chief convener and Masowe4ED senior adviser Obey Mapuranga expressed his surprise at the high turnout for the march, stating, “We had anticipated a turnout of about 20 000, but the 42 000 who came was a remarkable surprise. This overwhelming presence is a clear showcase of patriotism and unity among our people.”
Masowe4ED chairperson Onwell Vengesa affirmed the group’s commitment to intensifying participation in government programmes, stating, “We are proceeding to get our congregants Zanu PF membership cards. We are implementing programmes that support National Development Strategy 2 together with NAMFED.”
Adding to the political fervour, Zanu-PF leaders loyal to President Mnangagwa are reportedly organising a mass “thank you” rally in Harare. The rally is intended to celebrate his leadership and signal support for a potential third term beyond 2028.
The rally aims to showcase Mnangagwa’s “transformative and empowerment initiatives,” with particular emphasis on his facilitation of businessman Dr Kudakwashe Tagwirei’s entry into the party’s Central Committee.
Speaking at the Harare Provincial Coordinating Committee (PCC) meeting, provincial chairperson Goodwills Masimirembwa stated that preparations were well underway to draft a proposal letter requesting Mnangagwa’s presence at the event.
“Comrades, we have agreed that we will draft a letter requesting His Excellency’s availability to attend and witness our heartfelt gratitude for milestone achievements that the provinces and country have witnessed so far. This is in relation to his facilitation towards the co-option of Dr Elder Kudakwashe Tagwirei despite some perceived resistance from unproductive forces,” Masimirembwa said.
He further asserted that Tagwirei’s inclusion had brought “economic relief” to urban areas, traditionally considered opposition strongholds. “We want to appreciate the President for enabling and facilitating our dream of having powerful individuals within the ranks of our party whose capacity to economically transform masses is second to none,” Masimirembwa added.
The rally, slated to be held in Harare, is widely perceived as a calculated attempt to gauge public sentiment regarding Mnangagwa’s extended tenure. Provincial and national leaders, including Senator Charles Tawengwa, Omega Sipani-Hungwe, Andy Mhlanga, and others, are expected to spearhead the campaign.
While Mnangagwa has publicly maintained that he will not seek another term, party affiliates have openly endorsed the “ED 2030” slogan, advocating for constitutional amendments to enable his continued rule.
Critics argue that such a move could undermine Zimbabwe’s democratic progress, while supporters contend that it would consolidate Mnangagwa’s development gains. The push for an extended term comes amid simmering factional tensions within ZANU-PF, particularly between Mnangagwa loyalists and Vice President Constantino Chiwenga’s camp, further complicating the political landscape.
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