Chamisa's lawyer says Mnangagwa's Politburo reshuffle a blunder

Prominent lawyer Thabani Mpofu has challenged the legality of President Emmerson Mnangagwa's recent reshuffle of the Zanu-PF Politburo, describing it as constitutionally unsound.

The reshuffle saw Obert Mpofu demoted from Secretary-General to Secretary for Information and Communication, a move communicated by party spokesperson Chris Mutsvangwa, who cited Article 9, sections 65 and 67 of the Zanu-PF constitution as justification.

Mpofu, however, dismissed the cited provisions as irrelevant. "Article 9 concerns Politburo functions generally and does not confer authority for the First Secretary to reassign office-holders. Section 65 addresses the Secretary for Economic Development and Empowerment, while section 67 deals with the Secretary for Healthcare of the Child and the Elderly. Neither authorises the personnel change Mutsvangwa communicates," he wrote on X.

The lawyer also highlighted section 54, which limits the First Secretary's powers, and section 49, which reserves the appointment of department heads for Congress rather than unilateral decisions by the party leader. "A power not enshrined in the Constitution cannot lawfully be exercised," Mpofu stated, insisting the Politburo should revert to its original configuration.

The reshuffle, announced just weeks before Zanu-PF's annual conference in Mutare, is widely viewed as an attempt by Mnangagwa to consolidate power amid internal factional battles. One faction reportedly supports extending Mnangagwa's stay beyond the two-term constitutional limit, while another backs Vice-President Constantino Chiwenga as a successor in 2028.

Analysts warn that the legal controversy may deepen party divisions and heighten uncertainty ahead of the Mutare gathering.