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Jonathan Moyo speaks about recent Politburo reshuffle
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Zanu-PF has appointed Jacob Mudenda as its new secretary general, making him only the fourth person to hold the powerful position in the party's 62-year history. The announcement, made on September 23, 2025, came as part of a sweeping mid-term politburo reshuffle that is already stirring debate over its political significance.
Mudenda, who also serves as Speaker of the National Assembly, takes over from Obert Mpofu, who was moved to the less influential role of secretary for Information and Communication Technology (ICT). Patrick Chinamasa, formerly secretary for legal affairs, was elevated to treasurer general, while Justice Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi shifted from ICT to take over the legal affairs portfolio.
The changes mark a rare shift in the top ranks of Zanu-PF's politburo, which functions as the party's supreme decision-making body. Since its formation in 1963, the secretary general post has been reshuffled only a handful of times, underscoring its historic significance.
Robert Mugabe was Zanu's first secretary general, holding the post for 14 years until he was elected president at the 1977 Chimoio congress in exile. He was succeeded by Edgar Tekere, who served until his dismissal in 1981, after which Mugabe abolished the post and merged its duties into the office of the party president and first secretary. For decades, the role remained absent, with the party relying on a secretary for administration to manage its organisational affairs.
The 2022 congress restored the position of secretary general through constitutional amendments, and Mpofu became its first occupant in over 40 years. His removal after just three years highlights the volatile nature of Zanu-PF's evolving internal power dynamics.
Analysts say the reshuffle reflects a strategic recalibration within the ruling party, particularly as succession battles intensify between factions loyal to President Emmerson Mnangagwa and his deputy, Vice President Constantino Chiwenga. With Mudenda's appointment, observers note that the role of secretary general once again assumes a central place in shaping Zanu-PF's trajectory.
The political implications of this shift, including its impact on the party's cohesion and Zimbabwe's broader governance landscape, are expected to unfold in the months ahead.
Mudenda, who also serves as Speaker of the National Assembly, takes over from Obert Mpofu, who was moved to the less influential role of secretary for Information and Communication Technology (ICT). Patrick Chinamasa, formerly secretary for legal affairs, was elevated to treasurer general, while Justice Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi shifted from ICT to take over the legal affairs portfolio.
The changes mark a rare shift in the top ranks of Zanu-PF's politburo, which functions as the party's supreme decision-making body. Since its formation in 1963, the secretary general post has been reshuffled only a handful of times, underscoring its historic significance.
Robert Mugabe was Zanu's first secretary general, holding the post for 14 years until he was elected president at the 1977 Chimoio congress in exile. He was succeeded by Edgar Tekere, who served until his dismissal in 1981, after which Mugabe abolished the post and merged its duties into the office of the party president and first secretary. For decades, the role remained absent, with the party relying on a secretary for administration to manage its organisational affairs.
The 2022 congress restored the position of secretary general through constitutional amendments, and Mpofu became its first occupant in over 40 years. His removal after just three years highlights the volatile nature of Zanu-PF's evolving internal power dynamics.
Analysts say the reshuffle reflects a strategic recalibration within the ruling party, particularly as succession battles intensify between factions loyal to President Emmerson Mnangagwa and his deputy, Vice President Constantino Chiwenga. With Mudenda's appointment, observers note that the role of secretary general once again assumes a central place in shaping Zanu-PF's trajectory.
The political implications of this shift, including its impact on the party's cohesion and Zimbabwe's broader governance landscape, are expected to unfold in the months ahead.
Source - Newsday
