Three provincial chapters of Zimbabwe’s ruling party, Zanu-PF, have formally called on President Emmerson Mnangagwa to extend his leadership until 2030. The appeals come amidst internal party discussions and public debates on the country’s political future as the party seeks stability and continuity in governance.
The provinces of Mashonaland Central, Midlands, and Matabeleland South publicly declared their support for President Mnangagwa’s continued leadership during recent party meetings. Senior officials from these regions emphasized the president’s achievements in steering the country through economic challenges and initiating key developmental projects.
President Mnangagwa has shown visionary leadership. Under his guidance, Zimbabwe is on the path to recovery and prosperity. We strongly believe he should continue to lead us until 2030 to consolidate these gains said a Zanu-PF provincial chairperson.
The provinces highlighted several accomplishments under Mnangagwa’s presidency, including infrastructure development, agricultural reforms, and efforts to reengage with the international community. They argued that his leadership has provided a sense of stability and direction after years of economic turbulence.
Projects such as the rehabilitation of key highways, increased investment in renewable energy, and the stabilization of currency markets were cited as evidence of progress. Additionally, the president’s focus on self-sufficiency in food production and empowerment programs for youth and women has been well-received in these regions.
Supporters within Zanu-PF argue that Mnangagwa’s leadership is essential to maintaining continuity in policy implementation, especially with the party’s Vision 2030 agenda—a strategy aimed at transforming Zimbabwe into an upper-middle-income country.
President Mnangagwa’s steady hand is what Zimbabwe needs right now. Any disruption in leadership could derail the progress we are making said a party official from Midlands province.
While the calls for Mnangagwa to stay in power until 2030 resonate within Zanu-PF strongholds, they have drawn criticism from opposition parties and civil society groups. Critics argue that extending Mnangagwa’s tenure risks undermining democratic principles and may perpetuate the lack of political competition.
Opposition leader Nelson Chamisa of the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) described the appeals as an attempt to consolidate power at the expense of the people’s will. Zimbabwe needs leadership renewal, not prolonged rule by the same individuals who have failed to address the country’s deepening crises Chamisa said in a statement.
Zimbabwe’s Constitution limits the presidency to two five-year terms, with Mnangagwa’s current term set to end in 2028. Prolonging his rule until 2030 would require constitutional amendments or significant political maneuvering within Zanu-PF and possibly the legislature. As the debate intensifies, it remains to be seen whether Mnangagwa will officially endorse these calls for an extended tenure. Political analysts suggest that the president’s response will likely shape the trajectory of Zimbabwe’s governance and its political landscape leading up to the next elections.
For now, the focus within Zanu-PF remains on consolidating party unity and pushing forward with its Vision 2030 agenda. Whether these appeals will translate into formal plans for Mnangagwa’s continued leadership remains a matter of speculation.