Zanu-PF divisions over Mnangagwa term extension

Tensions are reportedly running high within government and Zanu-PF structures amid revelations that an imminent Cabinet reshuffle could expose deep divisions over a controversial plan to extend President Emmerson Mnangagwa's term of office beyond 2028.

Insiders say the impending reshuffle has intensified jostling among ministers and senior bureaucrats, as factions within the ruling party clash over the so-called "ED2030 agenda" - a campaign by some loyalists to push for the President to remain in power until 2030.

While President Mnangagwa has repeatedly stated that he is a "constitutionalist" and will retire when his current term ends in 2028, reports suggest that some within Zanu-PF are determined to amend the Constitution to allow him to serve beyond the two-term limit.

Sources told this publication that the issue has become a major source of tension in both government ministries and party circles, with some officials positioning themselves to benefit from the expected reshuffle, while others fear being sidelined.

Reports indicate that one of the most notable rifts has emerged between Local Government and Public Works Minister Daniel Garwe and his Permanent Secretary, Dr John Basera, who was transferred to the ministry from Agriculture in 2023.

Sources allege that the two have clashed over high-profile projects, including the Nyore-nyore housing development and the Helcraw–City of Harare water meter deal.

According to insiders, the fallout between the two worsened after a power blackout disrupted President Mnangagwa's State of the Nation Address at Parliament recently.

"Directors in the ministry were suspended, but Dr Basera believes it was the minister's fault as he did not do his part in ensuring the groundwork was properly done," a source said.

The rift reportedly deepened after Mnangagwa rejected a proposal from the ministry to construct a perimeter wall at the Diplomatic Village in Mt Hampden, which Dr Basera allegedly criticised as a poorly structured deal.

Some party insiders claim that Minister Garwe could soon be redeployed to Zanu-PF headquarters to spearhead the term-extension campaign.

"Garwe has done well in advocating for the 2030 term extension, and there is a belief that such an appointment would open space for the permanent secretary," said a source familiar with the developments.

Political analysts, however, have warned that the planned reshuffle - coupled with the internal wrangling over Mnangagwa's succession and term limit - could deepen divisions within Zanu-PF at a time the ruling party is already battling to maintain cohesion.

"A Cabinet reshuffle always creates anxiety within the ruling elite," said one Harare-based political commentator. "But this time, the stakes are higher because it is happening in the shadow of a power struggle over the 2028 transition question."

When contacted for comment, Presidential spokesperson George Charamba dismissed the reports of divisions and term-extension manoeuvres as "nonsense."

Both Minister Garwe and Dr Basera could not be reached for comment, though Dr Basera reportedly dismissed allegations that he is eyeing a ministerial post.

Speculation over a Cabinet reshuffle has been rife since the Zanu-PF 22nd National People's Conference in Mutare, where delegates urged the government to implement resolutions supporting the extension of Mnangagwa's stay in office.

The development has triggered a flurry of activity within ministries and the party, as senior officials scramble to raise their profiles and align themselves with the appointing authority in anticipation of new appointments.

Political observers note that such reshuffles have, over the years, been used to reward loyalty and punish dissent, deepening factional fault lines within the ruling establishment.

The "ED2030" agenda has reportedly become a rallying point for Mnangagwa loyalists, who believe they deserve recognition for their loyalty, while those seen as unenthusiastic about the campaign are viewed with suspicion.

Analysts warn that any Cabinet changes made in the current climate could further expose the party's internal fractures, particularly around the issue of succession and constitutionalism, which has historically been one of Zanu-PF's most sensitive topics.