THE Constitutional Court will hear a case challenging Zanu PF’s controversial plan to extend President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s term of office on February 9.
The ruling party adopted a resolution at its October 2025 annual conference to extend Mnangagwa’s tenure beyond the constitutional expiry in 2028 to 2030.
Ibhetshu LikaZulu and its secretary-general, Mbuso Fuzwayo, approached the Constitutional Court seeking to block any attempt to amend Sections 95(2)(b) and 143(1) of the Constitution. They argue that any change to presidential term limits would require a national referendum under Section 328(7), which protects term limits from amendment without direct public approval.
In his application, Fuzwayo argued that altering these provisions would require a national referendum, as stipulated under Section 328(7), which protects
presidential term limits from amendment without direct public approval.
The applicants argue that the ruling party’s resolution undermines constitutional safeguards, reduces public participation and attempts to bypass mandatory democratic processes.
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However, the government and Zanu PF, cited as respondents, maintain that the application is premature and speculative, insisting no formal constitutional amendment process has begun.
They argue that the resolution merely outlines the party’s internal position, not a legislative act.
The dispute centres on differing interpretations of Section 328, which sets conditions for amending presidential term provisions.
Zanu PF contends the proposal concerns term-length adjustments permitted under Section 328(5), which do not trigger a referendum.
The party also argues that any future amendment process would follow constitutional procedures, including public hearings and parliamentary scrutiny.
The Constitutional Court will now determine whether the resolution violates constitutional protections or falls within permissible amendment pathways.
Mnangagwa has previously said he is not interested in having his term of office extended, alleging that he is a constitutionalist.
The 2030 resolution has been linked to Mnangagwa’s succession, with insiders claiming it is part of a wider plot to block the President’s deputy Constantino Chiwenga from taking over.