Shelton Muchena, England
Over the past months, Zimbabwe’s most powerful Army General who removed the dictator Robert Mugabe from power before handing over power to the current President Emmerson Mnangagwa has been under fire from his party who are loyal to the incumbent.
General Chiwenga was perceived by many as the undoubted heir apparent to the throne, but that seems to be now a dream as calls are increasing within the ruling party to have Mnangagwa’s term extended beyond the two term limit which was to expire in 2028.
Addressing a public lecture at Rhodes University on Tuesday, South Africa’s firebrand opposition leader Julius Malema said Chiwenga has been weakened and was no longer the most powerful military man in Zimbabwe.
This follows similar statements from online users who think Chiwenga is now a spent force following the death of many of his Generals over the past months.
Mnangagwa last month told a rally in Mutare that he was not seeking a third term and many Zimbabweans rightfully questioned the sincerity of his statements only to be proved right in the last days where ZANU PF structures has endorsed the President to hang on to power beyond 2028.
But has General Chiwenga been weakened. Is Zimbabwe mot seeing the repeat of the same script prior to the 2027 coup.
This week, a video circulated of the General seemingly calling the ZANU PF structures to order saying the party is bigger than individuals and the people of Zimbabwe are supreme.
Surely these are shots fired from what many think is a weakened man.
Zimbabwe, Vice President General Dr. Constantino Chiwenga boldly confronted the insidious rise of factionalism within the ruling Zanu PF party. This marks the first time he has publicly addressed the issue, a move that many have interpreted as a direct response to the “bootlickers” and shadowy figures who have been subtly attacking his leadership through veiled riddles and insinuations.
Chiwenga’s statement resonated with clarity and conviction, as he emphasized the importance of unity in the party and the dangers posed by those who seek to exploit divisions for their own gain. “We will not allow factionalism to undermine the foundational principles of Zanu PF,” he declared, his voice steady and firm. “Those who wish to sow discord will find themselves isolated and without support.”
The timing of Chiwenga’s speech was particularly striking, as it caught many of his critics off guard. In the days leading up to his declaration, there had been a growing chorus of whispers and coded messages aimed at undermining his authority. However, as he spoke, it became evident that those who had been so eager to attack him from the shadows were now left scrambling for cover, unprepared for the forceful rebuttal they had provoked
His assertiveness drew a line in the sand, making it clear that any attempts to destabilize the party would not be tolerated. The atmosphere within Zanu PF shifted palpably as party loyalists rallied behind their vice president, recognizing the significance of his words as a call to arms against internal strife.
As the nation watches closely, Chiwenga’s statement serves not only as a defence of his position but also as a rallying cry for unity among Zimbabweans.
The question now looms: Will his bold stand be the catalyst for a more cohesive Zanu PF, or will it ignite further tensions among those who thrive on division? Only time will tell, but for now, the vice president has made his stance clear, and the political chessboard in Zimbabwe has been irrevocably altered.
NB Shelton Muchena write in his personal capacity and his views are not Daily Times Editorial Policy
