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Zipra war veterans condemn Zanu-PF's push for Mnangagwa term extension
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The Zimbabwe People's Revolutionary Army (Zipra) war veterans have strongly opposed a ruling Zanu-PF faction's proposal to extend President Emmerson Mnangagwa's term beyond the constitutional two-term limit, calling it "grossly unconstitutional."
Zanu-PF has been pushing to extend Mnangagwa's presidency by two more years until 2030, despite the constitutional cap of two terms. The ruling party's national people's conference, held in Bulawayo in October last year, endorsed a resolution in favor of the extension. Justice, Legal, and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi subsequently confirmed that the government was considering amending the Constitution to formalize the proposal.
However, Mnangagwa, who turns 83 this year, has publicly stated that he does not intend to stay in office beyond 2028. Despite this, he has not outright rejected the 2030 agenda.
Addressing journalists in Bulawayo yesterday, Zipra national spokesperson Buster Magwizi criticized Zanu-PF functionaries advocating for the extension, warning that the country's Constitution must be upheld in the interest of all Zimbabweans.
"We have witnessed a section of some politicians moving the motion to extend the presidential term despite concerns from the public," Magwizi said.
He accused certain individuals of receiving financial rewards and vehicles in exchange for supporting the extension.
"There is money and vehicles being dished out to those bootlicking corrupt individuals for the aim of extending the presidential term for their own benefit," Magwizi said.
The veteran further lamented the economic hardships faced by former freedom fighters, saying their sacrifices were being disregarded while a small elite continued to benefit.
"We did not fight for the benefit of a certain section of individuals or politicians, but for the benefit of the nation," he said. "Yet a small section of society is benefiting at the expense of the whole population."
Zipra deputy spokesperson Joachim Moyo also urged Mnangagwa to take a firm stand against those pushing for his term extension.
"We are worried that the President has failed to punish those who are moving the motion for his term extension," he said.
Moyo blamed corruption for Zimbabwe's economic woes, stating that it had turned the country from the breadbasket of Southern Africa into a "basket case."
"Corruption has led to poor standards of living for citizens as politicians have been looting resources for their own benefit," Moyo said.
He urged government officials to uphold democratic principles and prioritize the will of the people over personal enrichment.
The proposed term extension has sparked significant controversy, with legal experts, opposition parties, and civil society groups warning that any attempt to alter the Constitution for political expediency could erode Zimbabwe's democratic foundations.
As calls for Mnangagwa to categorically reject the 2030 agenda grow louder, the nation remains on edge over the political implications of the Zanu-PF faction's push.
Zanu-PF has been pushing to extend Mnangagwa's presidency by two more years until 2030, despite the constitutional cap of two terms. The ruling party's national people's conference, held in Bulawayo in October last year, endorsed a resolution in favor of the extension. Justice, Legal, and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi subsequently confirmed that the government was considering amending the Constitution to formalize the proposal.
However, Mnangagwa, who turns 83 this year, has publicly stated that he does not intend to stay in office beyond 2028. Despite this, he has not outright rejected the 2030 agenda.
Addressing journalists in Bulawayo yesterday, Zipra national spokesperson Buster Magwizi criticized Zanu-PF functionaries advocating for the extension, warning that the country's Constitution must be upheld in the interest of all Zimbabweans.
"We have witnessed a section of some politicians moving the motion to extend the presidential term despite concerns from the public," Magwizi said.
He accused certain individuals of receiving financial rewards and vehicles in exchange for supporting the extension.
"There is money and vehicles being dished out to those bootlicking corrupt individuals for the aim of extending the presidential term for their own benefit," Magwizi said.
The veteran further lamented the economic hardships faced by former freedom fighters, saying their sacrifices were being disregarded while a small elite continued to benefit.
Zipra deputy spokesperson Joachim Moyo also urged Mnangagwa to take a firm stand against those pushing for his term extension.
"We are worried that the President has failed to punish those who are moving the motion for his term extension," he said.
Moyo blamed corruption for Zimbabwe's economic woes, stating that it had turned the country from the breadbasket of Southern Africa into a "basket case."
"Corruption has led to poor standards of living for citizens as politicians have been looting resources for their own benefit," Moyo said.
He urged government officials to uphold democratic principles and prioritize the will of the people over personal enrichment.
The proposed term extension has sparked significant controversy, with legal experts, opposition parties, and civil society groups warning that any attempt to alter the Constitution for political expediency could erode Zimbabwe's democratic foundations.
As calls for Mnangagwa to categorically reject the 2030 agenda grow louder, the nation remains on edge over the political implications of the Zanu-PF faction's push.
Source - online
