Zanu PF supporters resist Mnangagwa's exit plan, t...

Zanu PF supporters resist Mnangagwa's exit plan, throws Chiwenga under the bus

Staff Reporter

The battle for succession in Zanu PF has intensified, with Vice President Constantino Chiwenga facing resistance from within the party despite President Emmerson Mnangagwa's decision to step down in 2028.

While Mnangagwa has announced his commitment to respecting the Constitution and vacating the presidency, his supporters continue to chant slogans, suggesting he will remain in office beyond 2028.

Bulawayo Province has joined the growing chorus of support for Mnangagwa to continue his leadership beyond 2028. The province hailed Mnangagwa's leadership, saying it was essential for the country to achieve Vision 2030.

"President Mnangagwa's leadership has been nothing short of astounding, and we believe that his continued commitment to steering the country towards Vision 2030 is crucial," said Archibald Chiponda, Zanu PF Bulawayo provincial spokesperson.

"As residents of Bulawayo province, we have witnessed first-hand the positive impact of President Mnangagwa’s leadership on our community. We wholeheartedly support his vision for a prosperous Zimbabwe and urge him to continue leading the nation towards a brighter future,” he said.

“President Mnangagwa’s presidency has been marked by a commitment to reform, transparency, and inclusivity, earning him praise both domestically and internationally. His visionary approach and dedication to uplifting the lives of all Zimbabweans have resonated deeply with the people of Bulawayo.

"As a province, we are saying President Mnangagwa is the candidate and in as much as he may have proclaimed that he will not contest in the upcoming elections, we as a province among many others endorse him to lead us.”

Meanwhile, Zanu PF spokesperson Christopher Mutsvangwa on Sunday publicly refuted the notion that Chiwenga is the designated successor to President Emmerson Mnangagwa.

Mutsvangwa denied the existence of a clandestine agreement between the two, citing that the party operates on democratic principles, where leaders are chosen through grassroots elections rather than hereditary succession.

Mutsvangwa stated, "In a revolutionary democratic party like Zanu PF, leadership aspirants must adhere to established protocols. The party's leadership is not determined by familial or personal connections, but rather through democratic processes."

This statement is perceived as a subtle challenge to Chiwenga's perceived front-runner status in the party's succession race.