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Mnangagwa endorsed for 'life presidency'
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A traditional leader from Manicaland has landed in hot water after endorsing President Emmerson Mnangagwa for a "life presidency," reigniting concerns over chiefs' involvement in partisan politics.
Chief Oliver Saurombe, based in Chimanimani, made the remarks during a drug abuse awareness meeting in the district, claiming that a Zanu-PF-backed plan to extend Mnangagwa's term to 2030 was insufficient.
"All six chiefs in Chimanimani agreed that this talk of 2030 is too short a timeframe," Chief Saurombe said.
"In fact, 2030 is already behind us. The President should be treated the same as us—chiefs serve until death."
Chimanimani is home to six chiefs: Muusha, Mutema, Chikukwa, Mutambara, Ndorima, and Saurombe. The chief praised Mnangagwa for providing cars and boreholes, suggesting that locals would be left without support if the President stepped down in 2030. He concluded his remarks by chanting a Zanu-PF slogan.
Legal experts and activists condemned the statement. Human rights lawyer Obey Shava said Chief Saurombe's comments were unconstitutional, citing Section 281 of the Constitution, which prohibits traditional leaders from engaging in partisan politics.
"Chiefs should maintain political neutrality whether in public or private settings," Shava said. "As soon as we confirm the date and location of the meeting, we will take action."
The Traditional Leaders Act also allows for the suspension of chiefs found guilty of misconduct, including political involvement.
Activist Promise Mkwananzi warned that no individual, including the President, had the right to undermine the Constitution.
"Our Constitution remains sacrosanct," Mkwananzi said.
The Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC), led by Welshman Ncube, reiterated that chiefs should remain non-partisan.
"Our traditional leaders should abstain from partisan politics and focus on fostering unity among villagers," said CCC spokesperson Kurauone Chihwayi.
The Saurombe case echoes past controversies. In 2024, Chief Seke designate Stanley Chimanikire was hauled to court for chanting slogans in support of extending Mnangagwa's term. The High Court found him guilty and ordered a public retraction. Similarly, in 2018, Chief Fortune Charumbira faced legal action for partisan endorsements of Zanu-PF.
Critics argue that Zanu-PF has historically rewarded chiefs with vehicles and other benefits in exchange for political support, blurring the line between traditional leadership and partisan politics.
Chief Oliver Saurombe, based in Chimanimani, made the remarks during a drug abuse awareness meeting in the district, claiming that a Zanu-PF-backed plan to extend Mnangagwa's term to 2030 was insufficient.
"All six chiefs in Chimanimani agreed that this talk of 2030 is too short a timeframe," Chief Saurombe said.
"In fact, 2030 is already behind us. The President should be treated the same as us—chiefs serve until death."
Chimanimani is home to six chiefs: Muusha, Mutema, Chikukwa, Mutambara, Ndorima, and Saurombe. The chief praised Mnangagwa for providing cars and boreholes, suggesting that locals would be left without support if the President stepped down in 2030. He concluded his remarks by chanting a Zanu-PF slogan.
Legal experts and activists condemned the statement. Human rights lawyer Obey Shava said Chief Saurombe's comments were unconstitutional, citing Section 281 of the Constitution, which prohibits traditional leaders from engaging in partisan politics.
"Chiefs should maintain political neutrality whether in public or private settings," Shava said. "As soon as we confirm the date and location of the meeting, we will take action."
The Traditional Leaders Act also allows for the suspension of chiefs found guilty of misconduct, including political involvement.
Activist Promise Mkwananzi warned that no individual, including the President, had the right to undermine the Constitution.
"Our Constitution remains sacrosanct," Mkwananzi said.
The Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC), led by Welshman Ncube, reiterated that chiefs should remain non-partisan.
"Our traditional leaders should abstain from partisan politics and focus on fostering unity among villagers," said CCC spokesperson Kurauone Chihwayi.
The Saurombe case echoes past controversies. In 2024, Chief Seke designate Stanley Chimanikire was hauled to court for chanting slogans in support of extending Mnangagwa's term. The High Court found him guilty and ordered a public retraction. Similarly, in 2018, Chief Fortune Charumbira faced legal action for partisan endorsements of Zanu-PF.
Critics argue that Zanu-PF has historically rewarded chiefs with vehicles and other benefits in exchange for political support, blurring the line between traditional leadership and partisan politics.
Source - Newsday
