News / National
Mnangagwa slogan widens factional rifts in Zanu-PF
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The controversial Zanu-PF slogan "2030 VaMnangagwa vanenge vachipo" (2023: President Mnangagwa will still be in power) has ignited factional divisions within the ruling party, exposing deepening cracks among party members. The slogan, which first gained traction in Masvingo Province, has become a point of contention, with some members claiming that it has not yet been approved by the Central Committee, the highest decision-making body within the party.
The issue came to light following the verbal expulsion of Brighton Mushekwa, a Bikita Ward 12 councillor, by John Paradza, the deputy secretary for youth affairs in Zanu-PF, after Mushekwa allegedly refused to endorse the slogan. Mushekwa, who was attending a District Coordinating Committee (DCC) meeting in Bikita, claims that the slogan was being forced on party members despite not yet having formal approval. He also expressed his belief that no one had the right to impose such a slogan until it had been approved by the Central Committee.
"I don't belong to any faction. I support the current president and the party constitution, which guides all of us," Mushekwa told TellZim News. "The slogan has not been approved by the Central Committee, so I don't see why I should be forced to chant it. I am simply fulfilling my constitutional obligations as a party member."
Mushekwa, a self-identified constitutionalist, has been accused of aligning with Vice President Constantino Chiwenga's faction, which is reportedly vying for leadership in the 2028 elections. However, he vehemently denied the accusations, asserting that he was loyal to the party's constitution and did not support any factional agendas.
"On that day, I was at school when I heard that I had been expelled from the party, stripped of my duties as DCC secretary, and accused of supporting Chiwenga's faction," Mushekwa said. "These are false allegations. I don't belong to any faction. I am loyal to the party and its constitution, which does not support such divisive politics."
The dispute over the slogan has stirred tensions within Masvingo Province, where party members remain adamant about pushing the "2030" agenda, despite President Emmerson Mnangagwa repeatedly stating that he does not intend to seek a third term beyond 2028. The slogan, which calls for Mnangagwa's continued leadership until 2030, has raised concerns among some party members who feel it may be used to extend Mnangagwa's rule, despite his public statements to the contrary.
In response to Mushekwa's claims, Zanu-PF Masvingo Provincial Spokesperson Pepukai Chiwewe denied that the councillor had been formally expelled. Chiwewe emphasized that there are specific protocols for suspending or expelling a member from the party, including hearings at the district, provincial, and national levels. "If Mushekwa did not receive any summons, then the expulsion is invalid," Chiwewe explained.
He also downplayed the verbal altercation, suggesting that political rallies often involve insults between party members, which should not be taken too seriously. "It is normal for politicians to insult each other during rallies. Some of these insults are not valid and should not be taken seriously," Chiwewe added.
Despite Mnangagwa's position on the matter, the "2030 VaMnangagwa vanenge vachipo" slogan has found significant support in Masvingo, where provincial leaders have threatened to punish anyone who opposes it. This has led to accusations that the slogan is being used to push a factional agenda, with some members fearing that it is part of a wider effort to create divisions in the party.
The controversy surrounding the slogan is symptomatic of the factionalism that has long plagued Zanu-PF, with rival groups reportedly jockeying for influence ahead of the 2028 elections. The debate over the slogan also highlights the tension between the party's constitutional guidelines and the loyalty to individuals within the party, as well as the growing concern about how leadership succession will unfold.
As the situation develops, it remains unclear how Zanu-PF leadership will address these internal divisions and the growing resistance to the "2030" agenda. For now, party members continue to navigate the complexities of loyalty, constitutional adherence, and factional dynamics.
The issue came to light following the verbal expulsion of Brighton Mushekwa, a Bikita Ward 12 councillor, by John Paradza, the deputy secretary for youth affairs in Zanu-PF, after Mushekwa allegedly refused to endorse the slogan. Mushekwa, who was attending a District Coordinating Committee (DCC) meeting in Bikita, claims that the slogan was being forced on party members despite not yet having formal approval. He also expressed his belief that no one had the right to impose such a slogan until it had been approved by the Central Committee.
"I don't belong to any faction. I support the current president and the party constitution, which guides all of us," Mushekwa told TellZim News. "The slogan has not been approved by the Central Committee, so I don't see why I should be forced to chant it. I am simply fulfilling my constitutional obligations as a party member."
Mushekwa, a self-identified constitutionalist, has been accused of aligning with Vice President Constantino Chiwenga's faction, which is reportedly vying for leadership in the 2028 elections. However, he vehemently denied the accusations, asserting that he was loyal to the party's constitution and did not support any factional agendas.
"On that day, I was at school when I heard that I had been expelled from the party, stripped of my duties as DCC secretary, and accused of supporting Chiwenga's faction," Mushekwa said. "These are false allegations. I don't belong to any faction. I am loyal to the party and its constitution, which does not support such divisive politics."
The dispute over the slogan has stirred tensions within Masvingo Province, where party members remain adamant about pushing the "2030" agenda, despite President Emmerson Mnangagwa repeatedly stating that he does not intend to seek a third term beyond 2028. The slogan, which calls for Mnangagwa's continued leadership until 2030, has raised concerns among some party members who feel it may be used to extend Mnangagwa's rule, despite his public statements to the contrary.
In response to Mushekwa's claims, Zanu-PF Masvingo Provincial Spokesperson Pepukai Chiwewe denied that the councillor had been formally expelled. Chiwewe emphasized that there are specific protocols for suspending or expelling a member from the party, including hearings at the district, provincial, and national levels. "If Mushekwa did not receive any summons, then the expulsion is invalid," Chiwewe explained.
He also downplayed the verbal altercation, suggesting that political rallies often involve insults between party members, which should not be taken too seriously. "It is normal for politicians to insult each other during rallies. Some of these insults are not valid and should not be taken seriously," Chiwewe added.
Despite Mnangagwa's position on the matter, the "2030 VaMnangagwa vanenge vachipo" slogan has found significant support in Masvingo, where provincial leaders have threatened to punish anyone who opposes it. This has led to accusations that the slogan is being used to push a factional agenda, with some members fearing that it is part of a wider effort to create divisions in the party.
The controversy surrounding the slogan is symptomatic of the factionalism that has long plagued Zanu-PF, with rival groups reportedly jockeying for influence ahead of the 2028 elections. The debate over the slogan also highlights the tension between the party's constitutional guidelines and the loyalty to individuals within the party, as well as the growing concern about how leadership succession will unfold.
As the situation develops, it remains unclear how Zanu-PF leadership will address these internal divisions and the growing resistance to the "2030" agenda. For now, party members continue to navigate the complexities of loyalty, constitutional adherence, and factional dynamics.
Source - TellZim News