Zim GBC News | Political Correspondent
HARARE – Tensions between President Emmerson Mnangagwa and his deputy, Constantino Chiwenga, have erupted into the open after the Vice-President conspicuously absented himself from a high-level Zanu PF Politburo Strategic Seminar in Harare yesterday, where Mnangagwa launched a scathing attack on those opposing his 2030 tenure extension agenda.
The no-show follows Chiwenga’s similar absence at the party’s inaugural Strategic Seminar for Central Committee members in Gweru last week, signalling a widening rift within the ruling party’s top echelons.
Sources indicate that Chiwenga, who is understood to be opposed to the 2030 project, stayed away as Mnangagwa came out guns blazing at the two-day retreat focused on reinforcing the party’s ideological foundation and aligning its leadership with national development goals under Vision 2030.
The confrontation comes hot on the heels of a fierce Cabinet battle on Tuesday over the proposed extension of Mnangagwa’s term to 2030, which has deeply divided both Zanu PF and government.
Mnangagwa and Chiwenga are now locked in a fierce succession power struggle that threatens to destabilise the party’s internal cohesion ahead of the controversial constitutional changes.
CCC Stuns Critics with Backing for Constitutional Overhaul
In a dramatic political realignment, the opposition Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) has announced its parliamentary caucus will support the “spirit and intent” of Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3, which proposes sweeping changes to Zimbabwe’s political system including extending presidential terms and abolishing direct elections.
Speaking after a caucus meeting, CCC chief whip Charles Moyo said lawmakers had taken a principled position on the Bill, despite not yet having access to the final text.
“Among other issues, Cabinet resolved to initiate far-reaching amendments to the Constitution as contained in Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3 of 2026. The clause seeks to alter the life of Parliament, the term of office of the Head of State and Government, as well as the management of our elections,” Moyo said.
He argued the proposed changes could help address long-standing political divisions.
“While we await the full and final text of the Bill, in principle, we support the spirit, intent and motivation of the Bill. It correctly captures changes which are necessary for the building of national consensus, healing divisions of the past, and establishing a basis for permanent political and economic stability,” he added.
Moyo described the planned electoral reforms as a “welcome step,” saying they could help tackle credibility and institutional weaknesses that have dogged past elections.
Government of National Consensus Proposed
Moyo indicated that should the Bill proceed, the political transition it envisions would need to be supported by a Government of National Consensus with participation from across society.
“Deliberate effort should be made to include all sectors – the church, youth, business and women’s organisations,” he said.
The CCC has instructed its MPs to return to their constituencies and, working with councillors, hold ward-level meetings to explain the Bill and gather public views.
“They must gather the free and voluntary opinions, views and sentiments of all citizens,” Moyo said, adding that senators would work with National Assembly members across provinces, with written reports from consultations due by 1 March 2026.
Moyo urged party members to conduct the outreach process with restraint and respect for differing opinions.
“All members are to exercise maximum discipline, patience in explaining any aspect relevant to the Bill, and tolerance to divergent views, while fostering a spirit of nationhood and national consensus,” he said.
Dismissing criticism from political rivals, Moyo insisted CCC lawmakers were ready to carry out their mandate.
“No amount of negativity from our erstwhile nemesis can stop the people’s parliamentary representatives from diligently exercising their duty,” he said.
The government has not yet released the full text of Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3, leaving many questions unanswered about the precise nature of the proposed changes to Zimbabwe’s governance framework.
As the ruling party grapples with internal succession battles and opposition ranks realign behind controversial constitutional reforms, Zimbabwe’s political landscape appears headed for a period of intense realignment and uncertainty.
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