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ED2030 Brigade pushes for Mnangagwa's extended
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The ED2030 brigade took its campaign to Bulawayo on National Youth Day last Friday, where supporters sang "2030 ndeya Emmerson," reinforcing a push for President Emmerson Mnangagwa to extend his tenure beyond his second and final term, set to end in 2028.
The public display of support for the controversial 2030 agenda highlights the growing desperation within certain factions of the ruling party. The same group has been seen chanting similar slogans at national events, including burials at the National Heroes Acre.
Despite President Mnangagwa's insistence that he will not seek to extend his stay unless "persuaded," signs of a coordinated effort to amend the Constitution to facilitate his continued rule are becoming more evident. New regalia labeled "Persuaders 4ED" has emerged, pointing to a well-orchestrated strategy to push the agenda forward.
These internal contradictions within ZANU-PF are unfolding against the backdrop of a struggling economy. The formal retail sector is crumbling under the weight of excessive taxation, unfavorable policies, and rampant informalization. Several companies are seeking corporate rescue measures to avoid insolvency, signaling an economic downturn that the government appears to be neglecting in favor of political maneuvering.
Meanwhile, the opposition Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) has failed to capitalize on these challenges. Since its founding leader Nelson Chamisa resigned, and Sengezo Tshabangu orchestrated the recall of several elected lawmakers, the party has been sidelined in national discourse. Tshabangu's recent visit to Mnangagwa's farm, where he seemingly endorsed the 2030 push before backtracking, further muddied the political waters.
Critical issues such as the deteriorating healthcare system, highlighted by a recent fatal accident in Beitbridge, rampant corruption, and the weakening economic environment, are being sidelined as political loyalists prioritize the 2030 agenda. Instead of focusing on governance, the ruling party appears to be in a perpetual state of electioneering, just 18 months after the controversial 2023 elections.
Political analyst Thomas Sowell's observation rings true in Zimbabwe's current political landscape: "No one will really understand politics until they understand that politicians are not trying to solve our problems. They are trying to solve their own problems—of which getting elected and re-elected are number one and number two. Whatever is number three is far behind."
As the leader of both the State and the ruling party, Mnangagwa has spoken on four occasions stating that he is not interested in extending his term. However, his repeated denials have done little to dissuade his supporters. If he is serious about quelling the growing 2030 movement, he must take concrete action beyond mere statements to discipline those pushing the divisive agenda.
For Zimbabwe to move forward, the focus must shift from political survival tactics to genuine economic recovery, governance reforms, and addressing the pressing social challenges facing the nation.
The public display of support for the controversial 2030 agenda highlights the growing desperation within certain factions of the ruling party. The same group has been seen chanting similar slogans at national events, including burials at the National Heroes Acre.
Despite President Mnangagwa's insistence that he will not seek to extend his stay unless "persuaded," signs of a coordinated effort to amend the Constitution to facilitate his continued rule are becoming more evident. New regalia labeled "Persuaders 4ED" has emerged, pointing to a well-orchestrated strategy to push the agenda forward.
These internal contradictions within ZANU-PF are unfolding against the backdrop of a struggling economy. The formal retail sector is crumbling under the weight of excessive taxation, unfavorable policies, and rampant informalization. Several companies are seeking corporate rescue measures to avoid insolvency, signaling an economic downturn that the government appears to be neglecting in favor of political maneuvering.
Meanwhile, the opposition Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) has failed to capitalize on these challenges. Since its founding leader Nelson Chamisa resigned, and Sengezo Tshabangu orchestrated the recall of several elected lawmakers, the party has been sidelined in national discourse. Tshabangu's recent visit to Mnangagwa's farm, where he seemingly endorsed the 2030 push before backtracking, further muddied the political waters.
Critical issues such as the deteriorating healthcare system, highlighted by a recent fatal accident in Beitbridge, rampant corruption, and the weakening economic environment, are being sidelined as political loyalists prioritize the 2030 agenda. Instead of focusing on governance, the ruling party appears to be in a perpetual state of electioneering, just 18 months after the controversial 2023 elections.
Political analyst Thomas Sowell's observation rings true in Zimbabwe's current political landscape: "No one will really understand politics until they understand that politicians are not trying to solve our problems. They are trying to solve their own problems—of which getting elected and re-elected are number one and number two. Whatever is number three is far behind."
As the leader of both the State and the ruling party, Mnangagwa has spoken on four occasions stating that he is not interested in extending his term. However, his repeated denials have done little to dissuade his supporters. If he is serious about quelling the growing 2030 movement, he must take concrete action beyond mere statements to discipline those pushing the divisive agenda.
For Zimbabwe to move forward, the focus must shift from political survival tactics to genuine economic recovery, governance reforms, and addressing the pressing social challenges facing the nation.
Source - newsday
