Zanu PF video edit sparks censorship claims over Mnangagwa speech

ZANU PF's information department has come under scrutiny after portions of President Emmerson Mnangagwa's Politburo address were reportedly omitted from a video published on the party's social media platforms, including remarks interpreted as a rebuke of Vice-President Constantino Chiwenga.

The address was delivered during the 398th ordinary session of the Politburo at the party's headquarters in Harare on Tuesday, marking the start of preparations for the ruling party's 23rd National People's Conference in Chinhoyi, Mashonaland West Province.

The conference is scheduled to officially open on Friday, October 16, and conclude the following day.

The reported edits have fuelled speculation about tensions within the ruling party, which is grappling with disagreements over proposed constitutional amendments and the succession question.

During his address, Mnangagwa praised the fundraising sub-committee, chaired by Philip Chiyangwa, for organising the inaugural Presidential Fundraising Dinner Ball, which reportedly raised close to US$10 million towards the conference.

However, he also appeared to take a swipe at Politburo members who failed to attend the event.

"Some of you came, some of you did not come, but you're members of the Politburo. You hear me?" Mnangagwa said.

Chiwenga was notably absent from the fundraising dinner, prompting speculation that the President's remarks were directed at his deputy.

According to reports, the video subsequently published on Zanu PF's social media platforms was edited to remove portions of the address containing the remarks. The circumstances surrounding the omissions and the reasons for the editing have not been independently established.

The incident has raised questions about the party's handling of the President's public communications, particularly at a time of heightened political tensions.

The divisions reportedly centre on proposals to amend the party and national constitutions in ways that could facilitate Mnangagwa remaining in power beyond his current term, potentially until 2030. The proposals have generated debate over the party's leadership succession and the future distribution of executive authority.

Chiwenga and other senior party figures reportedly opposed aspects of the proposed changes during an extraordinary Politburo meeting that was postponed last week.

The Vice-President's absence from the fundraising dinner has also drawn attention because it followed other high-profile events he reportedly did not attend, including the funeral of businessman Wicknell Chivayo.

Chiwenga has previously criticised wealthy business figures associated with the ruling party, referring to them as "zvigananda", a term used to describe the ultra-rich.

He was also absent from billionaire businessman Kudakwashe Tagwirei's swearing-in ceremony on Monday, according to reports.

The reported editing of Mnangagwa's address has added another dimension to the debate over divisions within Zanu PF. However, there has been no independent confirmation that the omissions were intended to censor the President, protect Chiwenga or conceal internal disagreements.