Chivayo wades into Zanu-PF factional wars

Controversial businessman and tenderpreneur Wicknell Chivayo has thrown his support behind the extension of President Emmerson Mnangagwa's presidency beyond the constitutionally mandated two terms, injecting himself into the ongoing factional battles within the ruling Zanu-PF party.

Chivayo, whose business dealings with the government have often been surrounded by controversy, expressed his opinion on social media, praising Mnangagwa's leadership and calling for his tenure to be extended, citing the president's achievements and the need for continuity in governance.

"This development in the USA got me deeply reflecting on our beloved country, where H. E. President Mnangagwa has demonstrated remarkable leadership. In my opinion, when a leader is delivering exceptional results, their presidency should not be cut short, especially if the people overwhelmingly support his continued leadership," Chivayo wrote.

He further added, "I personally believe that progress must take precedence over procedural constraints created by a Constitution... Most will say I'm singing for my supper and yes indeed, without a shadow of doubt, I will also sing for breakfast and lunch too."

Chivayo's comments have stirred controversy as they come amid deepening divisions within Zanu-PF. One faction, loyal to Mnangagwa, is advocating for the suspension of the 2028 elections, effectively pushing for an extension of the president's rule until 2030. Another faction, believed to be aligned with Vice President Constantino Chiwenga, insists on adherence to the constitutional term limits.

Despite these internal party tensions, Mnangagwa has consistently rejected the idea of extending his presidency beyond his second term. Just days ago, he reiterated to state media editors that he would step down in 2028, as per the country's Constitution.

However, Mnangagwa's critics, particularly a group of liberation war veterans led by Blessed Geza, have accused him of hypocrisy. Geza and others have demanded that the president step down immediately, citing corruption and failed leadership under his administration.

Political analyst Youngerson Matete has suggested that Chivayo's support for the term extension is self-serving, claiming that it is motivated by his desire to secure further government contracts and avoid accountability for past business dealings. "You are criminal Chikurubhi bound, so it is normal that you will support the mutilation of our constitution to allow Mnangagwa to stay not because he is delivering but because you keep looting our tax and get his protection," Matete said.

Activist Setfree Mafukidze also weighed in, condemning the push to amend the Constitution for Mnangagwa's benefit. "Our national constitution should not and will not be tempered with to suit ED. We came up with this constitution in 2013, and there is a reason we all supported a maximum of two terms per president. We all wanted to avoid exactly what ED is doing today," Mafukidze said, adding that any attempt to alter the Constitution for political gain would result in disaster.

While Mnangagwa's loyalists continue to advocate for an extension of his tenure, opposition groups, civil society organizations, and activists remain resolute in their defense of the Constitution and term limits. As Zanu-PF's internal struggles intensify, Zimbabweans are closely watching how the political landscape will evolve in the run-up to the 2028 elections.