Mnangagwa warns Zanu-PF youth

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has issued a stern warning to the Zanu-PF youth league, urging strict adherence to party structures and calling for the exposure of members involved in factional activity.

The directive comes amid escalating internal tensions within the ruling party over Constitutional Amendment No. 3 Bill (CAB 3), which proposes extending the presidential term beyond the current constitutional limit.

Addressing the youth league at Zanu-PF headquarters, Mnangagwa said young members must remain disciplined and committed to party unity.

"At the national level, I challenge you to rise to the assignment before you as the youth, under the 4th Chimurenga, with conviction and unflinching patriotism," he said.

"Always expose and reject those bent on sowing seeds of division, derailing national development, peace, and unity through negativity and despondency."

Mnangagwa warned against factionalism and urged members to respect organisational discipline and hierarchy.

"We can never sustain a strong, modern, adaptive, resilient revolutionary mass party and country based on weak principles… Revolutionary unity, patriotism, loyalty, discipline, integrity and productivity are irreplaceable values," he said.

The internal tensions are linked to differing positions on the so-called "2030 Agenda" tied to CAB 3, which has exposed divisions within the ruling party.

One faction is reportedly aligned with Vice-President Constantino Chiwenga, who is widely viewed as opposed to the proposed constitutional changes that could extend Mnangagwa's stay in office.

The debate gained further attention following Chiwenga's recent "Hezekiah speech," which political observers interpreted as a coded critique of leadership succession plans.

Mnangagwa reiterated that party members must operate within established structures and avoid what he described as misalignment with organisational rules.

"Our party is for everyone; it is built on clear rules and structured operations. As youth leaders, you cannot simply do whatever you want. Respect the rules and stay aligned with them," he said.

"We joined this party in the 1960s, and we are still part of it today because we never strayed. Remain disciplined and straightforward."

He also urged the youth to avoid factional politics and focus on development and productivity.

The proposed CAB 3 amendment seeks to extend presidential terms from five to seven years and would apply to the incumbent, potentially allowing Mnangagwa to remain in office until 2030 without a fresh electoral mandate.