Political Correspondent
Zimbabwe’s ruling party, Zanu-PF, is experiencing an intense power struggle as its annual conference in Bulawayo approaches.
At the center of the turmoil is President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s controversial “2030 agenda,” which seeks to extend his term beyond 2028 by amending the constitution.
Mnangagwa’s loyalists are actively promoting the agenda, despite the President’s public statements about retiring in 2028. The youths and women’s leagues within Zanu-PF support the agenda, but key groups like the army and war veterans do not.
Zanu-PF deputy youth secretary, John Paradza, has been mobilizing the youth league to propose the constitutional amendment.
“He has been criss-crossing the country pushing the 2030 agenda, promising empowerment in return for supporting the constitutional amendment,” a party member revealed.
This assertion is further supported by a recent meeting of Zanu-PF youths at the Dadaya youth training camp in Zvishavane, where they pledged support for the 2030 agenda and received empowerment starter packs.
However, Paradza denies any political motivation, claiming the meeting was solely for youth empowerment.
Minister Tinoda Machakaire corroborated this, emphasizing unity within the Zanu-PF family.
A shadowy group, the General Chiwenga Voluntary Supporters Association, criticized Paradza, accusing him of promoting an “ill-conceived gathering” that undermines Vice President Constantino Chiwenga’s legitimacy.
The 2030 campaign is seen as an attempt to sideline Chiwenga in the succession race. Midlands and Masvingo provincial structures plan to protest against Munyaradzi Shoko, a critic of Mnangagwa’s 2030 agenda.
Zanu-PF director of information, Farai Marapira, acknowledged ongoing discussions but remained non-committal on the 2030 agenda. Another senior party member predicted that open challenges to Mnangagwa’s policies are unlikely before 2027.
“If anyone dares to spring any surprises, they are likely to be sabotaged and neutralised before we get to 2027,” the member warned.
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