Opinion / Columnist
Zanu-PF youths target Chiwenga
2 hrs ago | 102 Views
The ruling Zanu-PF party's succession battle has burst into the open after youths in Harare chanted "Pasi ne Wedza!" - Shona for "Down with Wedza," a nickname for Vice-President Constantino Chiwenga - at a weekend rally. The chants, repeated by groups of young activists, exposed the intensifying factional hostilities gripping the party as it edges toward a critical elective congress in 2027.
Party sources said the slogans were not random but a calculated move aimed at undermining Chiwenga, long seen as President Emmerson Mnangagwa's natural successor. "Youths don't just chant that without clearance," a senior provincial leader told The Zimbabwemail on condition of anonymity. "It signals a coordinated campaign to weaken Chiwenga's grip ahead of congress."
Chiwenga, a former army commander instrumental in the 2017 military intervention that toppled the late Robert Mugabe, now finds himself facing growing competition from billionaire businessman Dr Kudakwashe Tagwirei. The tycoon, who has significant investments in fuel, mining and banking, has become a central figure in Zanu-PF patronage politics, thanks to his deep pockets and strong ties within party structures.
Analysts say the unfolding rivalry reflects a clash between military influence and financial power. "Tagwirei represents the power of money in Zimbabwean politics," said political scientist Eldred Masunungure. "Chiwenga, on the other hand, commands loyalty in the security sector. Their rivalry pits financial muscle against military clout - a combustible mix in a party historically defined by liberation war credentials."
The succession question is further complicated by speculation that Mnangagwa may seek to extend his presidency beyond the constitutional two-term limit, which ends after the 2028 elections. Pro-Mnangagwa provincial structures have recently pushed for a constitutional amendment that could keep him in office until at least 2030, while war veterans aligned with Chiwenga have complained of being sidelined in key appointments.
Tagwirei's rise as a potential power broker is striking, given that he remains under U.S. and U.K. sanctions for alleged corruption and state capture. Still, his vast resources have made him indispensable to party campaigns, especially as Zanu-PF gears up for another bruising general election.
Observers warn that the party's festering divisions could spill over into national instability. "These chants are more than youthful bravado," Masunungure said. "They reflect a brewing confrontation over who controls the state once Mnangagwa's tenure ends - or is extended. The stakes could not be higher."
For now, Mnangagwa has remained silent on the "Pasi ne Wedza" outburst. But insiders say his eventual reaction could determine whether the succession fight escalates into open confrontation or remains contained within the party's shifting alliances.
Party sources said the slogans were not random but a calculated move aimed at undermining Chiwenga, long seen as President Emmerson Mnangagwa's natural successor. "Youths don't just chant that without clearance," a senior provincial leader told The Zimbabwemail on condition of anonymity. "It signals a coordinated campaign to weaken Chiwenga's grip ahead of congress."
Chiwenga, a former army commander instrumental in the 2017 military intervention that toppled the late Robert Mugabe, now finds himself facing growing competition from billionaire businessman Dr Kudakwashe Tagwirei. The tycoon, who has significant investments in fuel, mining and banking, has become a central figure in Zanu-PF patronage politics, thanks to his deep pockets and strong ties within party structures.
Analysts say the unfolding rivalry reflects a clash between military influence and financial power. "Tagwirei represents the power of money in Zimbabwean politics," said political scientist Eldred Masunungure. "Chiwenga, on the other hand, commands loyalty in the security sector. Their rivalry pits financial muscle against military clout - a combustible mix in a party historically defined by liberation war credentials."
The succession question is further complicated by speculation that Mnangagwa may seek to extend his presidency beyond the constitutional two-term limit, which ends after the 2028 elections. Pro-Mnangagwa provincial structures have recently pushed for a constitutional amendment that could keep him in office until at least 2030, while war veterans aligned with Chiwenga have complained of being sidelined in key appointments.
Tagwirei's rise as a potential power broker is striking, given that he remains under U.S. and U.K. sanctions for alleged corruption and state capture. Still, his vast resources have made him indispensable to party campaigns, especially as Zanu-PF gears up for another bruising general election.
Observers warn that the party's festering divisions could spill over into national instability. "These chants are more than youthful bravado," Masunungure said. "They reflect a brewing confrontation over who controls the state once Mnangagwa's tenure ends - or is extended. The stakes could not be higher."
For now, Mnangagwa has remained silent on the "Pasi ne Wedza" outburst. But insiders say his eventual reaction could determine whether the succession fight escalates into open confrontation or remains contained within the party's shifting alliances.
Source - online
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