Zanu PF in High-Level Panic Meeting – Eduzim News

By A Correspondent-Zanu PF has held a panic high-level meeting as deepening internal divisions over controversial plans to extend President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s rule beyond 2028 continue to roil the ruling party.

The high-stakes meeting comes against the backdrop of intensifying factional tensions linked to the so-called “Vision 2030” agenda, which critics within and outside the party say is being used to justify constitutional amendments that could prolong Mnangagwa’s stay in power. Zimbabwe’s current Constitution limits presidents to two five-year terms, meaning Mnangagwa is due to step down in 2028.

However, proposals associated with Zimbabwe Vision 2030 and the mooted Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3 have sparked fierce resistance within Zanu PF, particularly from sections of war veterans and former military commanders.

Some of these figures—many of whom played a decisive role in the 2017 Zimbabwe coup that ushered Mnangagwa into power—have reportedly warned against any attempt to tamper with presidential term limits, with threats of intervention if constitutionalism is undermined.

Key Figures Arrive for Crunch Meeting

Senior party officials began arriving early at the Zanu PF headquarters, including national chairperson Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri. Vice President Constantino Chiwenga—widely seen as a central figure in the succession matrix—also attended and proceeded to a closed briefing session ahead of the main deliberations.

President Mnangagwa later arrived to chair the meeting, receiving a rousing welcome from members of the Women’s League, who sang revolutionary songs and chanted slogans in support of Vision 2030.

First Lady Auxillia Mnangagwa, who also serves as Secretary for Environment and Tourism in the party, was among the senior figures present.

Tensions Beneath a Festive Atmosphere

Despite the gravity of the issues under discussion, the atmosphere outside the main auditorium was initially relaxed. Members mingled under partly cloudy Harare skies, exchanging greetings and engaging in light-hearted conversations.

Outspoken Zanu PF politician Joseph Chinotimba briefly injected humour into the gathering, joking with journalists and drawing laughter from party members.

Delegates, dressed in vibrant party regalia in green, red, yellow and black, added a festive tone to proceedings—masking what insiders describe as one of the most consequential internal debates facing the party since the ouster of Robert Mugabe.

Central Committee’s Strategic Role

The Central Committee, composed of representatives from the party’s ten provinces, is Zanu PF’s highest decision-making body between congress sessions. It is responsible for implementing policies and resolutions adopted at congress and steering the party’s strategic direction.

Thursday’s meeting agenda includes deliberations on governance issues, party discipline, and compliance matters—including the distribution of registration number plates for party vehicles in line with directives from the Zimbabwe Republic Police.

Closed-Door Deliberations Begin

Proceedings formally began with the singing of the national anthem before moving into a closed session chaired by Mnangagwa.

While official details remain tightly guarded, the meeting is expected to tackle the escalating succession battle and the contentious push to reshape Zimbabwe’s constitutional order—issues that have exposed rare and potentially destabilising fractures within Zanu PF’s upper ranks.

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