Chief Gwesela wades into Zanu-PF succession politics

A Midlands traditional leader has stirred public outrage after openly backing a controversial proposal to extend President Emmerson Mnangagwa's term of office beyond 2028, in apparent violation of Zimbabwe's constitution and the Traditional Leaders Act, which require chiefs to remain apolitical.

Chief Gwesela of Zhombe, born Ndabezinhle Wait Ndebele, made the remarks during a traditional ceremony held at his homestead last week, where he urged his subjects to rally behind Mnangagwa's continued rule until 2030. The chief praised the president for what he described as "unprecedented development efforts" under the Second Republic.

"We have some army officers here, and some of them showed me 86 vehicles that had been handed to them," Gwesela said. "We have never seen anything like this under the first republic. The second republic is honey. Our country should move forward led by someone who is noble and has a vision. So, we are saying to our president, go forward, 2030 is for you. To those who don't like him, we say down with them-they can go hang."

His comments came shortly after President Mnangagwa handed over 100 vehicles to senior army commanders, a move that observers have interpreted as an attempt to consolidate loyalty within the military amid internal ZANu-PF succession tensions involving Vice President Constantino Chiwenga.

Chief Gwesela doubled down on his stance, saying he would continue to support the campaign for Mnangagwa's rule extension. "This resolution came from our children, and as parents we should support them," he said.

The chief has previously courted controversy for telling residents of Malawian origin in Kwekwe's new Globe and Phoenix area to support Mnangagwa's extended presidency or risk being "sent back to where they came from."

His latest remarks appear to contravene Section 281(2)(a) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe, which prohibits traditional leaders from being members of any political party or engaging in political activities. Section 7 of the Traditional Leaders Act further provides for the suspension of a chief found guilty of misconduct, including partisan involvement.

Human rights defenders have condemned similar conduct by traditional leaders. Last month, the Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights demanded a retraction from Chief Oliver Saurombe of Manicaland for calling on Mnangagwa to serve as "life president," describing the statement as unconstitutional.

During the same event in Zhombe, Midlands Provincial Affairs Minister Owen Ncube praised traditional leaders for their "critical role" in supporting national programmes. "These signature projects and programmes justify resolution number one, which supports attainment of Vision 2030 under the stewardship of His Excellency, the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, Comrade ED Mnangagwa," Ncube said.

Although President Mnangagwa has previously stated that he will not seek to extend his term beyond 2028, the ongoing endorsements from traditional leaders and ZANu-PF officials continue to fuel debate over his political future.