Zanu PF term limit push casts shadow over party conference in Bulawayo
BULAWAYO — A controversial push by some members of Zimbabwe’s ruling Zanu PF party to extend President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s two-term limit disrupted the party’s conference in Bulawayo, as some provinces disregarded directives to limit chants and slogans supporting the move.
During delegate introductions, Zanu PF Secretary for Administration Obert Mpofu advised provincial leaders to adopt a “one up, one down” slogan, seemingly aimed at curtailing the “ED2030” chant that suggests Mnangagwa stay in power beyond his constitutional terms. The directive was met with resistance, however, as Mashonaland Central chairman Kazembe Kazembe led delegates in the prohibited slogan, quickly followed by Masvingo, Midlands, and Manicaland representatives, whose enthusiastic supporters joined in with songs promoting Mnangagwa’s term extension.
Early in the week, party leadership had dismissed the slogan as unofficial, leading to subdued reactions until the provinces broke into song, highlighting the divisions within the party on the issue.
Vice-President Constantino Chiwenga notably refrained from acknowledging the slogan during the session, although he was otherwise engaged in conference activities. Chiwenga’s own address was marred by technical issues, with audio glitches prompting audible frustration from the audience.
In his speech, Mnangagwa criticized party districts with inconsistent membership records, suggesting that some maintained “chaotic records of members… to gain favor or advantage over others.” He emphasized the need for solid party structures to prevent infiltration and urged vigilance against factionalism.
“Our party structures are the backbone of the revolution,” Mnangagwa said, insisting that discipline and adherence to the party constitution must be upheld at every level. “This 21st national people’s conference must reaffirm our commitment to the party constitution,” he added, referring to Articles 2, 8, and 9.
Mnangagwa urged Zanu PF members to stay loyal, stating, “No one will be allowed to derail the party’s people-centered character. Ultimately, us the people must always defend the party.” He also warned against “indiscipline and political excesses of opportunists” that threaten party unity, adding that there is “no room for ideological indecisiveness” within Zanu PF.
Despite the public pushback against the term-extension slogans, Mnangagwa has repeatedly maintained his position as a “constitutionalist” in speeches within Zimbabwe and abroad, saying he plans to step down after his two terms.
Zanu PF spokesperson Christopher Mutsvangwa confirmed during a press briefing Wednesday that the matter had been raised in a central committee meeting in Harare, following a report on internal discipline issues by party National Commissar Munyaradzi Machacha. The committee reportedly spent more than two hours deliberating, with members expressing concerns over the disruptions caused by term-extension advocacy within the party.” _*- NewsDay*_
