VP Mohadi appears frail in latest public appearance

Vice President Kembo Mohadi has sparked fresh public discussion about his health after appearing noticeably frail in images taken during a public event this week, reviving concerns that have followed him since a series of health-related incidents at official functions in recent years.

Mohadi, one of President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s two deputies, has previously faced public scrutiny over his health after collapsing during separate public events in 2023, incidents that fuelled speculation about his fitness for office. Although government officials later downplayed concerns, the latest images have once again drawn attention on social media.

The Vice President was speaking at the launch of two books authored by political commentator Lungani Zwangobani, titled Why Zanu PF Must Succeed: Golden Jubilee Reflections and A Daring in November, where he was the guest of honour.

Addressing guests at the event, Mohadi called for a shift from perpetual political contestation towards developmental dialogue focused on improving citizens’ lives.

He said politics should not be solely about competition for power but should also focus on mobilising ideas, consolidating progress and delivering tangible outcomes for Zimbabweans.

“Distinguished guests, the book Why Zanu PF Must Succeed speaks boldly and directly to this imperative,” Mohadi said.

“As we approach the Golden Jubilee of our independence, it is important to reflect on the role of Zanu PF, not merely as a political party, but as a liberation movement that carries not only the historic mandate of safeguarding the sovereignty of Zimbabwe, but is the sole entity capable of advancing a dignified and prosperous nation.”

Mohadi said Zimbabwe’s independence was won through armed struggle and should be defended and safeguarded.

“Zanu PF, as the custodian of that liberation legacy, carries a responsibility that goes beyond electoral cycles,” he said.

“It is a responsibility to ensure that sovereignty is translated into economic independence, social justice, and national development.”

He said Zwangobani’s books captured what he described as the transformation of Zanu PF from a liberation movement into a development-oriented political institution under Mnangagwa’s administration.

Mohadi praised the government’s focus on infrastructure development, industrialisation, innovation and economic growth, saying citizens should embrace and support the country’s development agenda.

The Vice President also urged Zimbabweans to focus on constructive national discourse rather than what he termed unproductive debates, particularly on social media platforms.

“It is literature such as this that advances the progressive discourse that our people must be engaged in,” he said.

Mohadi further argued that national development was not solely the responsibility of government but required active participation from citizens.

“There is no substitute for individual responsibility within a collective national vision,” he said.

The Vice President encouraged Zimbabweans to recommit themselves to the ideals of national unity, development, sovereignty and accountability.

Mohadi has remained a controversial figure within Zimbabwean politics. In 2021, he resigned as Vice President following the publication of audio recordings in which he allegedly solicited intimate relationships from married women. He denied wrongdoing and claimed he was the victim of a political conspiracy. Mnangagwa later reappointed him to the vice presidency in 2023.

His political career has also been marked by prolonged absences from public events, recurring health concerns and questions about succession dynamics within Zanu PF, where competition among factions linked to senior political and military figures continues to shape internal power struggles.

The book launch was attended by several senior government and ruling party officials, including Minister of State for Harare Metropolitan Province Charles Tawengwa, Minister of National Housing and Social Amenities Professor Paul Mavima, Zanu PF Secretary for Youth Affairs Tino Machakaire, Permanent Secretary in the Vice President’s Office Dr Benson Martins Dube, and other government officials. *_-ZimEye_*