ZANU PF national spokesperson Christopher Mutsvangwa has declared that the door is firmly closed for anyone harbouring ambitions to replace President Emmerson Mnangagwa before 2030.
Mnangagwa is facing pushback from retired generals, war veterans and some members within Zanu PF over the proposed constitutional amendments which seek to extend his term of office from 2028, when it expires, to 2030.
The term extension proposal is contained in Constitutionals Amendment No 3 Bill (CAB3), which seeks to overhaul several sections of the country’s charter.
Reports have previously said Vice-President Constantino Chiwenga is next in line to replace Mnangagwa ahead of the next general elections in 2028, but Mutsvangwa said the door was closed until 2030.
Mutsvangwa said those allegedly involved in factional activities should focus on staying healthy and maintaining their standing in the party if they hoped to succeed Mnangagwa after 2030.
“It is expressed in the resolution of the party that the President’s rule must extend to 2030,” Mutsvangwa told journalists during Press briefing yesterday at the Zanu PF headquarters.
“So, if you have been meeting as a faction or trying to take over from him, just wait for 2030. It will come. It will not be removed from the calendar of Zimbabwe.
“Just make sure you keep your health and if you are a member of the party, maintain your standing with the membership in good condition, so that your candidacy in 2030 can enjoy the support it should.”
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In remarks seen as directed at a section of war veterans and former army generals, Mutsvangwa warned against making statements against Mnangagwa’s term extension.
“But don’t try to make noise now, because that door is going to be closed,” he added.
The 2030 agenda has left Zanu PF divided amid growing opposition to CAB3 within the party.
Zanu PF recently force-marched its members to make submissions in favour of CAB3 or face severe sanctions.
Mutsvangwa said the party had chosen not to speak too much about CAB3.
“We have not wanted, as a party, to talk too much about CAB3,” he said.
“We have a team, our advisory department, our administrative department.
“They are part of Parliament’s consultations.
“We respect those consultations, so we are participating at that level.”
Zanu PF is supposed to hold its elective congress next year.
Mnangagwa, like the late former President Robert Mugabe, has not named his preferred successor.
Mugabe was eventually forced out of office in 2017 despite his allies' push for his continued stay in power in spite of old age and failing health.
