Zanu-PF abandons 2030 agenda?

The ruling Zanu-PF party has gone back to the drawing board on its controversial plan to extend President Emmerson Mnangagwa's term of office after failing to gazette proposed constitutional amendments by December 31, as earlier indicated by government officials.

Justice Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi had previously suggested that draft amendments to the Constitution, aimed at extending Mnangagwa's tenure by two years, would be published in the Government Gazette before the end of last year. However, this did not materialise, prompting fresh questions over the future of the so-called "2030 agenda".

Mnangagwa's current term is constitutionally due to end in 2028, but Zanu-PF has adopted a party resolution seeking to extend his rule to 2030. This is despite repeated public statements by the 83-year-old leader that he is a constitutionalist who does not intend to remain in office beyond the limits set by the Constitution.

The issue has resurfaced in court papers filed by Zanu-PF national commissar Munyaradzi Machacha, who noted that the proposed amendments were imminent. Machacha made the submissions in his notice of opposition to a Constitutional Court application brought by Bulawayo-based activist Mbuso Fuzwayo, who is challenging the legality of the ruling party's resolution to extend Mnangagwa's tenure.

In his application, Fuzwayo cited Zanu-PF, Justice Minister Ziyambi, Speaker of the National Assembly Jacob Mudenda, Attorney-General Virginia Mabhiza and President Mnangagwa as respondents, arguing that the party resolution violated his constitutional rights.

Constitutional law experts have argued that any attempt to amend the Constitution to extend a sitting president's term would require a national referendum and, in any event, could not benefit the incumbent. Zanu-PF, however, disputes this interpretation.

Machacha said the ruling party was intent on avoiding a referendum and instead preferred a parliamentary route, where Zanu-PF currently enjoys a two-thirds majority in both Houses of Parliament. He argued that the Constitution provides a clear procedure for amendments, centred on parliamentary processes rather than a plebiscite.

"A referendum is not the process of public participation set out by the Constitution of Zimbabwe," Machacha submitted in his court papers. "Section 328, read with section 131, mandates a 90-day Gazette notice, public hearings and submissions, and two-thirds affirmative votes in each House of Parliament at final reading, culminating in presidential assent."

He described the amendment process as "a parliamentary and technical odyssey", adding that it was incorrect to assert that any change to section 95(2) of the Constitution automatically required a national referendum.

Zanu-PF director of information Farai Marapira confirmed that the party had not abandoned the 2030 agenda, despite the failure to meet the December deadline. Instead, he said, the party was reassessing its approach.

"It is not a delay, but a recalibration," Marapira told NewsDay in an interview. "We want to do it the right way from the beginning. There is no rush, but be assured it will be completed by the end of the year. Zanu-PF is not a failure when it comes to fulfilling its resolutions."

According to Machacha, Justice Minister Ziyambi remains seized with the draft amendments related to the 2030 agenda, an issue that has deepened divisions within Zanu-PF, particularly over the question of succession.

The debate has intensified internal rivalries, with Vice-President Constantino Chiwenga widely viewed as a leading contender to succeed Mnangagwa. Businessman Kudakwashe Tagwirei has also been mentioned as a potential dark horse, although his camp is reportedly facing fresh competition from Zanu-PF benefactor Paul Tungwarara, who has been recommended for co-option into the party's powerful central committee.

As the legal challenge unfolds and internal party tensions persist, the future of the proposed constitutional changes — and the leadership of Zanu-PF beyond 2028 — remains uncertain.