ZANU-PF Factional Debates Heighten Over Presidential Succession and Term Limits
By Dumisani Ndlovu — ZANU-PF activist Walter Mutize has criticised Vice President Constantino Chiwenga’s Chinhoyi address, arguing that he lacks the political leverage to challenge President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
Dumisani Ndlovu 
Harare — Political rhetoric surrounding the ZANU-PF leadership succession has intensified following criticism directed at Vice President, General (Rtd)Constantino Chiwenga, by party activist Walter Mutize.
The public comments hints growing internal debate over President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s tenure and the party’s direction leading up to the end of his constitutional term in 2028.
In a video shared on social media, Mutize took issue with an address delivered by Chiwenga in Chinhoyi, asserting that the Vice President did not sufficiently acknowledge the achievements of the Mnangagwa administration.
Mutize argued that Chiwenga lacks the political leverage to challenge the President’s standing within the party, and he suggested that the individual responsible for drafting the Vice President’s speech should face disciplinary action for perceived disrespect toward the head of state.
Defending the current administration's record, Mutize highlighted improvements in economic stability, including enhanced fuel availability and updates within the banking sector, as key milestones achieved under Mnangagwa's leadership.
He urged party officials to maintain unity and political discipline, citing Vice President Kembo Mohadi’s supportive and deferential posture as a standard for leadership alignment within ZANU-PF.
Addressing the contentious discussion around extending President Mnangagwa’s term beyond 2028, often referred to as the "2030 agenda", Mutize pointed out that the President himself has not officially declared an intent to seek an extension past his constitutional mandate.
While a faction of party supporters continues to advocate for a term extension, critics within and outside the party highlight the importance of adhering to constitutional limits.
Chiwenga, a former commander of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces who played a central role in the 2017 political transition, has long been regarded as a leading contender to succeed Mnangagwa.
