Opposition grows to Zanu-PF's ED2030 slogan at Harare meeting

A tense provincial co-ordinating committee meeting in Harare on Sunday revealed growing opposition within Zanu-PF to the controversial ED2030 slogan, which calls for the extension of President Emmerson Mnangagwa's term of office beyond its constitutional limit in 2028.

Sources at the meeting revealed that party members were ordered to stop chanting the slogan, which has caused significant friction within the ruling party. The slogan, promoted by Mnangagwa's loyalists in the Midlands and Masvingo provinces, calls for an extension of his presidency until 2030, despite the president's repeated declarations that he will not seek another term.

Mnangagwa's current term ends in 2028, and he has made it clear that he will not seek re-election. However, some party members, particularly from the Midlands and Masvingo provinces, have pushed for a two-year extension to his rule, sparking divisions within Zanu-PF.

During the meeting, questions were raised about the persistence of the ED2030 slogan, with Harare provincial chairperson Godwills Masimirembwa also facing intense scrutiny. Members reportedly challenged Zanu-PF's national commissar, Munyaradzi Machacha, asking why the party leadership has allowed the slogan to be chanted when Mnangagwa has publicly stated that he will not extend his tenure.

Machacha, according to sources, responded by reaffirming that Zanu-PF would elect a new leader ahead of the 2028 general elections, with members allowed to support their preferred candidates. "Machacha stated that President Mnangagwa's term ends in 2028, and the party will select a new leader in 2027," an insider disclosed.

Despite Mnangagwa's stance, loyalists from the Midlands and Masvingo provinces continue to push for the two-year extension, fueling tensions within the party. At Zanu-PF's conference in Bulawayo in October, Mnangagwa reiterated his decision not to seek re-election.

Zanu-PF spokesperson Farai Marapira, contacted for comment on the matter, stated that he was in China. Machacha also declined to comment, referring inquiries to Masimirembwa, the Harare provincial chairperson.

When asked about the controversial slogan and his role in the meeting, Masimirembwa downplayed the incident. He told NewsDay that Sunday's meeting was conducted without any major disruptions, adding that discussions focused on strengthening party unity and addressing issues within Harare.

"There was nothing on slogans," Masimirembwa stated, claiming that the discussions centered on party cells, unity, and a stern warning for those spreading disunity on social media. He also emphasized that order would be maintained within the party's structures in Harare.

However, sources said Masimirembwa came under heavy criticism during the meeting, with some members accusing him of failing to unite the province. There were even reports that he was nearly suspended for allegedly dividing the party.

In October, Masimirembwa was also accused of expelling party members, including Kudakwashe Damson, for allegedly supporting Vice-President Constantino Chiwenga, adding to the growing divisions within the party.

Meanwhile, Mnangagwa's loyalists in Midlands and Masvingo provinces have continued to push for the ED2030 extension, despite resistance from other factions within the party, including from the military and war veterans. War veteran Blessing Geza recently stated that the proposed term extension was "dead in the water," emphasizing that Chiwenga would take over from Mnangagwa in 2028.

The ED2030 slogan has been divisive, with many grassroots members not fully supporting the call for a term extension. Despite this, Zanu-PF has adopted a resolution to amend the Constitution in an effort to extend Mnangagwa's presidency, a move that is likely to further intensify the intra-party tensions.

The political landscape within Zanu-PF remains fluid as factions continue to vie for influence ahead of the 2028 elections, with the ED2030 debate likely to remain a flashpoint in the coming months.