Matebeleland scoffs at Mnangagwa tenure extension plans

Political parties and civic groups in Matebeleland have strongly condemned Zanu-PF's resolution to fast-track the extension of President Emmerson Mnangagwa's tenure to 2030, describing it as an attempt to establish a political dynasty and undermine constitutional democracy.

The ruling party's National People's Conference, held in Mutare last week, directed the government to implement within a year its resolution to extend Mnangagwa's term beyond the constitutional limit of two five-year terms, which end in 2028.

Although Mnangagwa has publicly stated that he has "no intention of overstaying", his allies within Zanu-PF are reportedly intensifying efforts to amend the Constitution and prolong his rule.

Zapu's Bulawayo provincial secretary, Vivian Siziba, said the conference's resolutions were a clear sign that Zanu-PF sought to entrench Mnangagwa's hold on power rather than improve citizens' welfare.

"The conference was all about creating the Mnangagwa dynasty. The creation of parallel civic groups for ED illustrates this fact," Siziba said.

He accused Zanu-PF of prioritising loyalty over constitutionalism and ignoring Section 7 of the Constitution, which mandates civic education on constitutional rights in schools and public institutions.

"Instead of rolling out constitutional education, they are brainwashing civil servants with partisan ideology," he said. "If Zanu-PF continues with this kind of political behaviour, the consequences will be unbearable."

Ibhetshu LikaZulu secretary-general Mbuso Fuzwayo described the resolution as a "naked attempt" to manipulate the Constitution and dismantle Zimbabwe's democratic foundations.

"This represents an assault on Zimbabwe's democracy and a betrayal of the aspirations of millions who sacrificed for a democratic, accountable and prosperous Zimbabwe," Fuzwayo said.

He warned that tampering with presidential term limits through a parliamentary process, rather than a referendum, would erode the sovereign will of the people.

"Citizens must resist this. Ibhetshu LikaZulu urges all Zimbabweans - workers, students, churches, civil society, traditional leaders and the diaspora - to defend the 2013 Constitution from being mutilated to serve personal ambition," he added.

Democratic Party leader Wurayayi Zembe said the move was a continuation of Zimbabwe's failure to build a genuine civilian democratic state.

"Zimbabweans have struggled to establish a democratic system based on regular, peaceful, free and fair elections. Yet the 2013, 2018 and 2023 elections have failed to produce legitimate governments," Zembe said.

Former Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) senator Felix Magalela Sibanda echoed the call for citizens to mobilise against any constitutional manipulation.

"The masses should make noise and object to tampering with the Constitution without citizens' consent," Sibanda said.

Despite growing internal resistance, Mnangagwa's loyalists within Zanu-PF insist the resolution reflects the party's confidence in his leadership. However, critics say the move exposes a deepening authoritarian drift and a dangerous attempt to consolidate power under the guise of political stability.