MNANGAGWA 2030 PLAN: CCC LEADER BACKS PRESIDENT’S RULE EXTENSION

Zimbabwe’s main opposition party, CCC, has shocked many after its secretary-general, Sengezo Tshabangu, supported President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s plan to stay in power beyond 2028. Mnangagwa, who is supposed to step down after two terms, now wants to extend his rule to 2030. Tshabangu made this announcement today at Mnangagwa’s farm in Kwekwe.

Speaking in front of 300 Members of Parliament and senators at Precabe Farm in Sherwood, Tshabangu called himself the CCC leader in parliament. He said the opposition could agree to Mnangagwa staying longer if it benefits the people. After his statement, there were loud cheers and applause from the crowd, including Zanu PF leaders. Even Mnangagwa and Speaker of Parliament Jacob Mudenda clapped in approval.

This comes after previous talks where both ruling and opposition members agreed to delay the 2028 elections to 2030. The reason given was to let Mnangagwa finish his development projects and implement reforms. This shows a strong connection between the opposition and Mnangagwa’s party.

The event at Precabe Farm was also a chance to showcase Mnangagwa’s farming activities. His farm is being promoted as an example of modern farming in Zimbabwe. Many important government decisions are now made at this farm, which has become Mnangagwa’s unofficial headquarters. Today’s visit was led by his loyalists, including Mudenda, Zanu PF Chief Whip Pupurai Togarepi, and Tshabangu.

Mnangagwa, who now calls himself “Munhumutapa” – a title linked to ancient Shona emperors – is gaining support from both his party and the opposition for his 2030 plan. He even declared his birthday, September 15, as “Munhumutapa Day,” making himself appear as a historical leader.

However, not everyone agrees with his plan. Vice President Constantino Chiwenga and his faction in Zanu PF are strongly against it. They say Mnangagwa is breaking past agreements. Chiwenga and his allies expected Mnangagwa to step down after his first term in 2023. This was part of the deal that brought him to power after the 2017 coup. But Mnangagwa decided to stay for a second term, and now he wants even more time in power. This has created serious divisions in Zanu PF.

Last year, a Zanu PF conference in Bulawayo supported Mnangagwa’s extended rule. However, there is still a lot of resistance in the party. Many Zanu PF members are unhappy with his decision.

For Mnangagwa’s plan to work, Zimbabwe’s constitution must be changed. Right now, the law only allows a president to serve two terms. Changing this law will require a referendum, meaning the people must vote on it. Another referendum would also be needed to remove the rule that prevents a president from benefiting from such changes while in office. Even with these obstacles, Mnangagwa seems determined to move forward. He is relying on parliament and his political supporters to make it happen.

Meanwhile, Chiwenga and his military-backed allies are strongly against these changes. They believe Mnangagwa is going against the original power-sharing deal. This has led to more tension within Zanu PF. The party is now divided, with some supporting Mnangagwa and others siding with Chiwenga. This power struggle may lead to a major political showdown in Zimbabwe.

At the same time, Mnangagwa is not backing down. His farm in Sherwood has become a key place for political meetings and strategy discussions. Today’s gathering was another step in his campaign to stay in power until 2030. Whether by changing the law or making political moves, Mnangagwa is making it clear that he does not want to step down.

As the situation unfolds, Zimbabweans are watching closely. Some people see Mnangagwa’s leadership as a way to bring stability to the country. Others believe he is trying to stay in power for too long and destroy democracy. The coming years will decide if Mnangagwa’s plan succeeds or if resistance within his party and the country will stop him.

For now, the political battle is heating up. The struggle between Mnangagwa and Chiwenga will shape Zimbabwe’s future. With both sides standing firm, the country may be heading toward a major political fight that could change everything.