Zim GBC News | Political Correspondent
ZANU-PF has moved to quell rising political speculation, stating that the contentious issue of succession will not be discussed at its upcoming National Conference in Mutare, scheduled for October 10–23, 2025.
The party’s Information and Publicity Director, Farai Marapira, clarified that succession matters are constitutionally reserved for the party’s Congress in 2027, dismissing the topic as a narrative driven by outsiders.
“Succession is not on the agenda for this conference. It is a Congress matter,” Marapira stated, emphasizing the party’s focus.
“ZANU-PF will not adopt external agendas and remains focused on unity and national progress.”
His comments come amid widespread reports of deep-seated factionalism within the ruling party concerning who will succeed President Emmerson Mnangagwa, who is expected to step down in 2028 at the end of his second and final term. However, political commentators have alleged that Mnangagwa is working behind the scenes to extend his tenure, a claim the President has previously denied by affirming his commitment to constitutional term limits.
The speculation often centres on a reported rift between Mnangagwa and his deputy, Vice-President Constantino Chiwenga, who is constitutionally next in line. Reports suggest a faction backing Chiwenga is strongly opposed to any term extension, while other allegations claim Mnangagwa favours his clansman, businessman Kudakwashe Tagwirei, as a successor.
Marapira firmly denied any discord, portraying the party leadership as a unified front.
“The relationship between the President and his two Vice Presidents is a relationship of brotherhood,” Marapira said.
“These are people who have been in the trenches for the independence of Zimbabwe. They’ve faced death and they’ve sacrificed along others for this country to be free.”
He attributed the rumours to opponents seeking to destabilize the party.
“All this talk of animosity, all this talk of hatred and fighting, these are just narrow agendas by other parties trying to bring alarm and despondency within our rank and file,” he stated.
Asserting the party’s discipline and communication structure, Marapira concluded by reaffirming the party’s support for its leader:
“To the members of the party coming to conference, especially our delegates, these are non-events and these are non-issues… So, as a party, we are solid behind President Mnangagwa.”
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