Zanu PF changed the presidential term from 5 to 6 then from 6 back to 5 years. Now they are at it yet again, tinkering! W Mukori.

As debate intensifies over how President Emmerson Mnangagwa could remain in power or politically relevant until 2030, political commentator Professor Jonathan Moyo has reignited controversy by arguing that Zanu-PF could lawfully extend the president's current term without a referendum.

According to Prof Moyo, the Constitution allows Parliament to amend the length of a presidential term - currently set at five years under Section 95(2)(b) - through a two-thirds majority vote, without triggering the referendum required for altering term-limit provisions. He argues that the law distinguishes between "term limits" (how many terms a president may serve) and "term lengths" (how long each term lasts).

"The term-limit clause, Section 91 (2), restricts the number of terms a person may hold office. But the duration of a term under Section 95 (2)(b) can be varied by Parliament alone," Moyo wrote on X (formerly Twitter), citing Section 328 (5) of the Constitution.

He said critics such as opposition senator David Coltart were "confusing two different provisions" of the Constitution. Coltart had earlier contended that extending Mnangagwa's current term would require two national referendums under Sections 328 (6)–(9), as any move that "extends" a president's time in office falls under protected term-limit clauses.

"The wording of Section 328(7) is critical," Coltart wrote. "Even if another term isn't sought - just an extension of a few years - any such amendment would still require two referenda where it involves an incumbent. It's disingenuous to suggest that Zanu-PF's 2024 resolution to extend Mnangagwa's term can lawfully bypass this process."

Prof Moyo, however, cited the 2021 Constitutional Court ruling in *Marx Mupungu v Minister of Justice*, which clarified that term-limit provisions concern the number of terms one may serve, not their duration. "The five-year presidential term is inherently flexible," Moyo said. "It ‘extends until' events like resignation, removal, or dissolution of Parliament. The sole constitutional cap on an officeholder lies in Section 91(2)'s two-term limit, which would remain untouched.”

He added that if Parliament amended Section 95 (2)(b) to make presidential terms seven years, President Mnangagwa could remain in office until 2030 - aligning with Zanu-PF's "Vision 2030" agenda - without any referendum. "It would simply recalibrate the duration of the term through a two-thirds vote in both Houses," Moyo said, noting that other countries such as Guinea and Ireland already operate seven-year presidential terms.

However, political analyst Mxolisi Ncube described the interpretation as "a test of constitutional loopholes" designed to entrench power. "If Zanu-PF's resolution passes, the president could stay longer without a public vote, as long as the two-term cap isn't breached," he said. "Any such amendment should undergo broad public consultation."

Meanwhile, constitutional scholar Dr Justice Mavedzenge outlined a different scenario that could still extend Mnangagwa's political influence beyond 2028 - even without amending the Constitution. Speaking during CITE's "This Morning Asakhe" X Space, Dr Mavedzenge said the president could resign before completing three years of his term, triggering Sections 100 and 101, which allow a vice president to act as president until Zanu-PF nominates a successor.

"The Constitution says a full term is anything above three years. If Mnangagwa resigns before that mark, it wouldn't count as a full term, meaning he could run again," Mavedzenge explained. He said such a manoeuvre, though politically risky, could allow Mnangagwa to return to office later and still remain within constitutional bounds.

He also noted emerging political developments, including efforts to "reconfigure" the vice presidency, which might signal preparations for such a strategy. "When you look at moves to bring in figures like Kuda Tagwirei and growing tensions around Vice President Chiwenga, it seems part of a broader reconstitution of the presidency," he said.

Dr Mavedzenge warned that Zimbabwe's constitutional safeguards are fragile due to weak democratic institutions. "A good constitution must be backed by an independent judiciary, a vibrant civil society, and a strong opposition," he said. "Without this infrastructure, constitutionalism becomes meaningless."

As the debate continues, analysts agree that whether through legal amendment or political manoeuvre, the question of Mnangagwa's tenure could become one of the defining constitutional battles ahead of Zimbabwe's 2028 elections.

Zanu PF changed the presidential term from 5 years to 6 years. When Mugabe was fearful his MPs would not campaign for him, he had the parliamentary and presidential elections at the same time under the pretext of “harmonised” elections. So now the the regime is seeking to separate them again because it suits them! 

This tinkering with the constitution has nothing to do with the good of Zimbabwe but everything to do with consolidating power for selfish reasons at all cost.

IMF "expose" Zanu PF fiddling national finances - ravenous pot-bellied father breast-feeding whilst kwashiorkor baby looks on. W Mukori

 An International Monetary Fund (IMF) assessment has raised concerns over Zimbabwe's fiscal transparency, revealing that the country may have understated its total public debt by approximately US$2 billion in 2024. The revelation comes after the IMF conducted a Staff Monitored Programme (SMP) assessment, which also flagged discrepancies in Zimbabwe's external debt reporting.

While the Ministry of Finance had reported Zimbabwe's public debt at US$21 billion in May 2024 during the African Development Bank's annual meetings, the IMF's 2025 Article IV Consultation Report estimates it at US$23.3 billion, with external debt alone potentially understated by about US$4.5 billion.

According to the IMF, total public and publicly guaranteed debt stood at US$23.3 billion, equivalent to 72.9% of GDP by the end of 2024. The external debt stock was US$16.7 billion (52.5% of GDP), with arrears to official creditors estimated at US$7.4 billion (23.2% of GDP). Zimbabwe also accumulated arrears to external commercial creditors amounting to US$47.4 million and suspended some domestic debt obligations totalling US$425 million in 2025.

The Fund warned that current policies were insufficient to restore debt sustainability. It recommended a combination of fiscal consolidation, strengthened public debt management, growth-promoting structural reforms, and resolution of external arrears to pave the way for renewed financing from multilateral and bilateral creditors.

This is not the first time Zimbabwe's official financial statistics have been questioned. Discrepancies have previously emerged in inflation reporting, notably during the country's hyperinflation crisis from 2007 to 2008, when official Consumer Price Index (CPI) figures sharply diverged from independent estimates.

The IMF also highlighted the Structured Dialogue Platform (SDP) as a framework for Zimbabwe's engagement with creditors, focusing on economic, political-governance, and land reform issues. Progress under the SDP has been uneven, with bilateral Paris Club creditors demanding advances on all three pillars before further engagement.

Zimbabwe is seeking debt relief and bridge financing of US$2.6 billion through the SDP's Arrears Clearance and Debt Resolution Process. Discussions with commercial creditors regarding debt moratoria have also begun. The IMF emphasised the need to reconcile Zimbabwe's debt and establish clear restructuring parameters, noting potential limitations under the G20 Common Framework and the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) Initiative.

Despite the challenges, Zimbabwean authorities reportedly agree with the IMF's unsustainable debt assessment and remain committed to the reengagement process. They have taken initial steps, such as making payments to farmers under bilateral investment agreements, and plan to launch a fourth SDP pillar focusing on debt resolution.

Zimbabwe's situation mirrors debt distress seen elsewhere in Southern Africa. Mozambique, Zambia, Malawi, and Angola have all grappled with high debt burdens, hidden loans, and default risks, highlighting the region-wide challenge of managing fiscal sustainability amid constrained financing options.

The IMF's findings underscore the urgency for Zimbabwe to implement a robust debt resolution strategy and improve transparency to restore credibility with international creditors and secure long-term economic stability.”

This has to be the equivalent of the father caught breast feeding whilst the kwashiorkor baby looks on! Mnangagwa has been spending billions of dollars every year on travel, cars and other luxuries to buy votes and blind loyalty of those around him at the expense of the basic needs such as education and health care, supply of water and electricity and the maintenance of basic infrastructure such as roads. 

“The IMF also highlighted the Structured Dialogue Platform (SDP) as a framework for Zimbabwe's engagement with creditors, focusing on economic, political-governance, and land reform issues. Progress under the SDP has been uneven, with bilateral Paris Club creditors demanding advances on all three pillars before further engagement.”  This is stating the obvious!

The real stumbling block here is political-governance. Zimbabwe is a pariah state governed by corrupt, incompetent and murderous Zanu PF thugs who have rigged elections for 45 years and counting to deny ordinary Zimbabweans a meaningful say in the governance of the country. 

It must be said the nation has had many opportunities to implement the democratic reforms and thus end the Zanu PF dictatorship, the best coming during the 2008 to 2013 GNU, MDC/CCC leaders have wasted them all. Mugabe bribed Morgan Tsvangirai and his banded mongoose MDC fiends with the trappings of high office and they forgot about implementing the reforms.

Ever since the GNU debacle, MDC/CCC leaders have conned their brain dead followers to participate in flawed elections to give Zanu PF legitimacy and perpetuate the nation’s suffering for the same reason they failed to implement even one token reform during the GNU - GREED. 

The people of Zimbabwe have risked all to elect MDC/CCC leaders into power on the understanding they would implement the democratic reforms to end the Zanu PF dictatorship. During the GNU Mugabe convinced Tsvangirai & co. that they were all full members of Zimbabwe’s ruling elite and he saw to it that the MDC leaders were given all the trapping of high office Mugabe had, until then, reserved for the Zanu PF ruling elite. Why would Tsvangirai & co. want to implement the democratic reforms and end the ruling elite club when they are now members. 

“Mazivanhu eMDC adzidza kudya anyerere!” (MDC leaders have learned to enjoy the gravy train good life, they will never rock the boat!) boasted Zanu PF cronies during the GNU, when asked why MDC leaders were not implementing the democratic reforms. 

Morgan Tsvangirai and many of his MDC fiends were really shocked by Zanu PF 2013 elections landslide victory. They knew that with no meaningful reform implemented Zanu PF would rig the elections but not to the extend of throwing out so many MDC leaders off the gravy train, after all they were members of Zimbabwe’s ruling elite, or so they thought. 

Mugabe was smart enough to allow a few opposition leaders win gravy train seats to maintain the facade that Zimbabwe was still a healthy multi-party state. This was a very strategic move because it has keep the masses who have been clamouring for political change hopeful they will have the change “tomorrow”!

Tsvangirai and now Chamisa and his MDC/CCC banded mongoose have retained their political support regardless of their treasonous betrayal on implementing reforms by telling their followers they have devised strategies for winning rigged elections. They have told one hen’s teeth lie after another and again and again their followers have believed the lies! 

And so political-governance has remained the elusive mirage, tomorrow always a day away, because Zanu PF will never reform itself out of power. MDC/CCC wasted the golden opportunity to implement the reforms during the GNU and now they are Zanu PF team B and have settled for the scraps like jackals at a lion kill. 

The people themselves are blind to the reality MDC/CCC leaders are running with the povo hare and hunting with the Zanu PF hounds even in the face of the opposition having failed to implement even one token reform in 25 years! An ignorant, naive and gullible electorate is a curse to the nation; the people hold the key to end the curse of rigged elections and bad governance - they do not even know they have the key much less how to use it!

NTA is now Zimbabwe's belling the cat! It is utterly pointless talking about NTA without providing route from dictatorship. W Mukori

The Standard

Rhetoric or reality in Zimbabwe: The failure of the state and the need for a national transitional authority

Standard People

By Ibbo Mandaza | 9h ago

The failure of Zec in 2023 was laid bare even the Sadc Electoral Observation Mission (SEOM), but “cured” by the Sadc summit’s congratulations for Zimbabwe holding a "peaceful” election.

By Ibbo Mandaza, Tony Reeler and Obert Masaruare

Now that Zanu PF has again imploded almost irreparably, and with both immanent and imminent threat to the state itself, Zimbabwe faces another moment of uncertainty.

Not least because the other factors, normally attendant to the political process over the tumultuous period since 2000, have declined into insignificance.

The formal opposition lies lame and virtually comatose; Sadc is all but dead and cannot be expected to afford any influence whatsoever.

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Likewise, the so-called international community is consumed with more pressing matters than a Zimbabwe now so remote and marginal.

The economy which, though in permanent crisis and has caused both the growth of an informal sector and the exodus of at least 75% of the country’s professional and skilled population, has so far not been the expected fuel of revolutionary change.

The most disturbing aspects of all this is the growing perception in public opinion, that another coup within the Zanu PF state might redeem the situation, even in the face of almost eight years of evidence that this is the very same regime that has wrought havoc over the last two decades or more.

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Let’s be clear: the replacement of President Emmerson Mnangagwa with Chiwenga may not in the current circumstances yield the political and economic respite that Zimbabwe sorely needs, even if, as is expected, there will be at least an assault on the current unbridled corruption and its consequences for the state itself.

For, it is obvious that the state in Zimbabwe has over the last two decades been depleted of capacity to deliver, let alone possess the fundamentals of a functioning democracy, namely an accountable executive, a vibrant legislature, and a fiercely independent judiciary.

As we have already stated, Zimbabwe is in dire need of a mechanism, a transitional period during which to introspect, reorganize and find itself towards a new beginning, a National Transitional Authority (NTA).

So, what is to be done? Do we stand by, again, as the internecine power struggle rages within a ruling party now virtually shed of any semblance of its liberation credentials, politically and ideologically vacuous, and its securocrat state, not only incapable of political and economic reform, but also threatened with disintegration before our eyes?

The government claims that the country is moving to the prized status of a “middle-income” country whilst most of the citizens are mired in abject poverty.

Last year over 30 000 young Zimbabweans graduated from the 10 state universities with virtually no prospect of employment other than in the massive informal economy, and this year 6 900 youngsters graduated from Zimbabwe’s oldest university, the University of Zimbabwe, to join the same throng into unemployment.

 A recent survey points out that 75% of 1 480 respondents stated that the direction in which the country was going was “very negative”, echoing a similar finding from the Afrobarometer in 2024 where 61% said the same.

Against this background, where does this optimism of the government that the future is rosy come from?

How can the prospects be bright when the ruling party is riven by internal conflict over succession once again? The last time such conflict within Zanu PF occurred the result was a coup.

The great hope at that time was the new regime would undertake the extremely necessary reforms needed to stabilise the economy, dea

Repeatedly stating that we need a NTA without providing a viable mechanism of how we are supposed to move from the dictatorship to NTA is the reason why the later has never happened. The NTA has become the classical belling the cat!  

"Our role is to build and unite" said Varakashi4ED. Yeah right! By forcing the nation into a mental straitjacket! W Mukori

 @NewsHawksLive: Zanu PF cyber-troops camped at the ruling party's social media troll farm - Varakashi4ED - are trying to intimidate The NewsHawks from fearless reporting on President Emmerson Mnangagwa's leadership, governance and policy failures, as well as incompetence and corruption by his regime through cheap propaganda, misinformation and lies, while gaslighting the disenchanted public.

The Zanu PF online warriors - who are breathtakingly incompetent and incoherent in handling public interest information issues and media - are creating and spreading misinformation and falsehoods, often using social media, in a desperate bid to discredit journalists and control the political narrative.

Varakashi4ED, Mnangagwa's hatchet job foot soldiers, amplify the ruling party's political narratives and attack opponents, especially the opposition, civil society, critics, intellectuals and journalists, for a living.

The propaganda and disinformation strategy and tactics are part of a broader, well-documented pattern of political repression and intimidation in Zimbabwe.

Earlier today, the Varakashi4ED released this statement, which tried to intimidate The NewsHawks:

PRESS STATEMENT

By Godwin Nkatha, National Chairman – Varakashi4ED  

25 September 2025

In recent days, social media has been flooded with sensational claims from The Newshawks, a platform under the ownership of @DumisaniMuleya, purporting to expose alleged corruption, factionalism, and mismanagement within the leadership of ZANU PF. 

These narratives, often lacking substantiated evidence, seek to undermine the credibility of our national leadership and destabilize the progress Zimbabwe continues to make under the Second Republic.

Let it be unequivocally stated: Varakashi4ED stands firmly against corruption in all its forms. 

We believe in accountability, transparency, and the responsible stewardship of national resources. 

However, we also recognise the importance of scrutinizing the motives and integrity of those who position themselves as watchdogs. 

Not all criticism is rooted in patriotism — some is driven by agendas that seek to fracture unity and erode public trust.

As@Varakashi4ED, we will not stand idle while our leadership is smeared with baseless accusations by @NewsHawksLive.

We are a disciplined movement committed to defending the truth, promoting national development, and reinforcing the values of loyalty, unity, and progress. 

Our role is not only to amplify the achievements of our government but also to guide public discourse with facts, respect, and strategic clarity.

We call upon all patriotic Zimbabweans to remain vigilant, to question narratives that sow division, and to stand together in safeguarding the dignity of our nation. Let us continue to build, not break; to unite, not divide.

@oczmk

@edmnangagwa

@marapira_farai

@Jamwanda2

@nickmangwana

@HonJMuswereJnr

@wicknellchivayo

@dereckgoto

End of Statement.”

Varakashi4ED are there to stifle debate, brainwash the public and to deny the people their fundamental rights and freedoms including freedom of expression and a free media. And, like all tyrants, they even believe they are doing the nation a great service!

 

“Our role is not only to amplify the achievements of our government but also to guide public discourse with facts, respect, and strategic clarity.

We call upon all patriotic Zimbabweans to remain vigilant, to question narratives that sow division, and to stand together in safeguarding the dignity of our nation. Let us continue to build, not break; to unite, not divide.”

Man is a creature of reason and this attempt to silence us and force us into a mental straitjacket in the name of development and unite is an abomination. 

Zimbabwe is a failed state precisely because we have repeated the same foolish mistakes, corruption have been allowed to grow and spread, because of the lack of open scrutiny and democratic accountability. The economic meltdown and political paralysis - we are stuck with the corrupt and tyrannical  Zanu PF and its equally corrupt and useless MDC/CCC side-kick - have made the country volatile and unstable! And pretending the country is stable and prospering will not change that reality.

Chiwenga's crusade against corruption is phony. When did he have his "Road to Damascus moment"? W Mukori

 @ Chiwenga

“Chiwenga made the remarks during the official opening of the Construction Industry Federation of Zimbabwe's annual congress in Masvingo, urging businesses to uphold ethical standards and purposeful leadership.

"However, let me emphasise that this partnership must be grounded on ethics, transparency and purposeful leadership," Chiwenga said. "We cannot and will not tolerate corruption, tender manipulation or unethical dealings that undermine confidence and compromise delivery.”

Corruption has been rampant in Zimbabwe since the country’s independence in 1980. Chiwenga himself has benefit from it. The army had its own Chiadzwa Diamond mining concession as did the Police, CIO and senior Zanu PF leaders. He had his lion’s share of the looted wealth.

So when did Chiwenga have his “Road to Damascus moment” and what brought it about?

Could it be that he is no longer getting his lion’s share of the loot? Or is he trying to win the nation’s political support in the hotting up Zanu PF factional war by championing a cause he knows the people care about? 

The nation was promise zero tolerance to corruption and free and fair elections after the 2017 military coup. Chiwenga and Mnangagwa were in the same faction then and, as we know, they did not keep their promise. What is there to suggest that Chiwenga will keep his promise now? Nothing!

Chiwenga will never hold free, fair and credible elections. Never! Indeed, he too will be looking to looted wealth to help him consolidate his hold on power. It will be very foolish for Zimbabweans to be conned into supporting Chiwenga. 

Our task is to dismantle the dictatorship, replace it with a healthy and functioning democracy by implementing the democratic reforms and not to replace one dictator with another! 

Whilst Zanu PF thugs continue to fight, beeb at it for 45 years, nation sinks deeper and deeper into the abyss. W Mukori

 @ Brighton Matebuka

Chiwenga dramatically took direct aim at President Emmerson Mnangagwa on the firing range for the first time in their epic and high-stakes succession battle.

His "arsenal" was in the form of an explosive "dossier" which allegedly incriminated Mnangagwa alleged state capture kingpins.

He allegedly demanded that they be arrested and queried why that had not been done at that point.

According to multiple reports, so shaken was Mnangagwa the allegedly offered to resign – before making a hasty retreat to the Politburo, where he sought to find succour in familiar and less hostile territory.

What Did Chiwenga Seek To Achieve?

He sought to send an unequivocal and powerful message to Mnangagwa that a turning point had now been reached in the succession battle – a measure of last resort tantamount to the severing of their long and enduring umbilical chord, or whatever is left of it.

It was an escalatory gesture of monumental consequence and made its mark on all of Mnangagwa physical and mental realm – which was captured in all its pomp and glory via one of the most abiding images of the succession battle – Mnangagwa turning his head and serenely meeting Chiwenga's ice-cold and stern gaze, blow to blow, in broad daylight and close quarters!

The unmistakable message was that of defiance, fearlessness and readiness to engage in mortal combat.

Metaphors were ditched and replaced with direct, uncompromising, menacing and accusatory prose!

The grand prize Chiwenga was seeking was Mnangagwa capitulation from the 2030 choreographed misadventurism and a return to their oft stated November 2017 power sharing gentlemen's pact.

What Did He Achieve?

Whilst he demonstrably shook Mnangagwa to his boots, he effectively let him off the hook and left him to fight another day, a highly dangerous outcome in a finely balanced and high octane succession battle.

You see, "dossiers" don't deliver power, not in Zimbabwe. They help to shape the narrative. The narrative matters afterwards, not before toppling a "King" from his throne.

Of what use is a "dossier" in an environment in which all state institutions are captured? Who orders the arrest? Who makes the arrest? Who prosecutes? How long does that take? Who convicts?

Who sentences? Who enforces the sentence and superintends the jails? You get the drift. At that very moment, having waited for so long to fire the first salvo, Chiwenga needed to be in a position to fire not just the first one, but all salvos in one fell swoop!

Given the stakes involved, a dossier could only be of use as part of a grand scheme of subterfuge, to probe defences, distract and waylay before delivering the coup de grace!

In those corridors of power, you are talking about Russian Roulette of the highest order. There is rarely the luxury of a second take!”

The real unspoken tragedy here is the greatest casualty of these never ending Zanu PF factional wars is the nation. Ever since the nation’s independence, if not long before it, Zimbabwe’s nationalist leaders have fought each other none-stop over political dominance. As soon as one fight is over another one started. 

As soon as Mugabe ousted Joyce Mujuru in 2014, for example, his camp divided into the G40 and Lacoste which he then lost to the latter led by Mnangagwa in the 2017 military coup. The coup solved nothing because the so called “gentlemen’s agreement” that Mnangagwa will hand over power to Chiwenga after serving one term was immediately ignored. 

Zimbabwe is a failed state because the nation’s affairs have been ignored for 45 years and counting because the leaders were too busy consolidating their own power base. And since political loyalty is founded on patronage and not something substantive as ideology or merit it is little wonder no one leader has ever slept ease in his/her bed. How can they when every morning one has to lick one’s finger and check the direction of the political wind - misread it and you are out!

“It is cold out there!” confessed Professor Jonathan Moyo when he misread the political wind and was booted out of the party! He knew what he was talking about. 

The nation had the golden opportunity to implement the democratic reforms and end the Zanu PF dictatorship during the 2008 to 2013 GNU. Mugabe bribed Morgan Tsvangirai and his MDC fiends with the trappings of high offices and they, in return, throw all the reforms out of the window. 

Chiwenga is just as corrupt, incompetent and tyrannic as his erstwhile partner in the 2008 electoral coup and 2017 military coup, Mnangagwa. Pick one from the other is as meaningless a hare picking a cobra or a black mamba! 

As long as Zimbabwe remains a de facto one-party state those factional wars will rage on and the nation sink deeper and deeper into the abyss. One sure way to end the dictatorship will be to stop Chamisa and company conning their brain dead followers participating in the flawed elections only to give Zanu PF legitimacy. That is simpler said than done - how does one reason with the brain dead!