Cabinet shake-up looms?

Reports have emerged suggesting that senior officials within Zimbabwe's ruling Zanu-PF party and government may soon face a sweeping reshuffle and purge following the conclusion of the party's recent National People's Conference in Mutare.

According to unconfirmed reports, the impending changes are expected to affect both party and government structures as President Emmerson Mnangagwa moves to consolidate his grip on power amid growing tensions over succession and the controversial proposal to extend his presidential term.

Sources close to the developments allege that Presidential Adviser and Zanu-PF spokesperson Christopher Mutsvangwa could be appointed to replace Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri as the party's National Chairperson. Former State Security Minister Owen "Mudha" Ncube is tipped to succeed Minister of State for Presidential Affairs Lovemore Matuke.

Business magnate Kudakwashe Tagwirei is reportedly being considered to take over the Public Service portfolio from July Moyo, while outspoken former Norton legislator Temba Mliswa could be brought back into government as Minister of Sports, replacing Lieutenant General Anselem Sanyatwe.

Other rumours point to businessman Paul Tungwarara or current Deputy Information Minister Kindness Paradza as possible successors to Youth Empowerment Minister Tinoda Machakaire.

Neither Zanu-PF nor the government have issued an official statement confirming or denying the alleged shake-up. However, the speculation comes at a time when the ruling party is grappling with widening internal rifts following the adoption of a contentious resolution to extend Mnangagwa's term of office by two years - from 2028 to 2030.

During the Mutare conference, Zanu-PF Secretary for Legal Affairs Ziyambi Ziyambi told delegates that both the party and government had been directed to "initiate the requisite legislative amendments" to give effect to the extension, which he said was necessary to ensure "continuity and stability."

President Mnangagwa, who ascended to power following the November 2017 military intervention that ousted long-time leader Robert Mugabe, has on several occasions insisted he has no intention of clinging to power. Yet the latest developments - including reports of purges targeting his perceived rivals - have reignited speculation over his true intentions.

Vice President Constantino Chiwenga, widely viewed as the frontrunner in the succession race, has reportedly voiced opposition to the 2030 term extension, insisting during the conference that "Vision 2030 is for economic development, not political tenure."

Political analysts say the expected purges are likely to weaken Chiwenga's faction within both the party and government, further tightening Mnangagwa's control ahead of the 2028 elections.

If confirmed, the reshuffle would mark one of the most significant political realignments within Zanu-PF since the 2017 coup - and could set the stage for another fierce internal power struggle.