Despite President Mnangagwa clearly stating he won’t pursue a third term, party spokesperson Marapira addressed the confusion.
Farai Marapira announced the message would be cascaded through all party structures to eliminate confusion gripping ZANU-PF.
However, before Mnangagwa’s declaration settled, Masvingo province disagreed with the party’s National Commissar Munyaradzi Machacha.
Historically, Masvingo province has steadfastly supported Mnangagwa, especially during the Lacoste-G40 factional fights within ZANU-PF.
Masvingo, Mnangagwa’s birthplace, is led by his close ally Ezra Chadzamira, making their stance significant in this context.
ZANU-PF’s Command Structure and Expectations
To understand the significance, one must grasp ZANU-PF’s command structure, inherited from the liberation war era.
The party mandates leaders’ orders dictate direction, with top leadership’s policies expected to be followed without dissent.
Historically, any contradiction to leadership has been swiftly and severely dealt with within ZANU-PF’s command structure.
Masvingo’s Defiance: Genuine or Orchestrated?
Given this context, it is improbable that Masvingo province’s poor villagers are leading this defiance against Mnangagwa.
Chadzamira, a loyalist, and figures like John Paradza benefit directly from Mnangagwa’s continued leadership in ZANU-PF.
Masvingo villagers are likely being used in broader political maneuvering, possibly with Mnangagwa’s tacit approval.
Mnangagwa may have made his no-third-term pronouncement to provoke endorsements typical of the late President Mugabe’s era.
This strategy would neutralize Mnangagwa’s opponents within ZANU-PF, forcing them to accept the decision of the ‘masses.’
If Mnangagwa is sincere about not continuing, he should publicly call Masvingo province to order promptly.
It should be straightforward because he swore to abide by the constitution, which clearly limits presidential terms.
Mnangagwa must address lawlessness in the party, exemplified by loyalists wanting him to rule indefinitely.
He must also counsel top allies, Chadzamira, Paradza, and Owen Mudha Ncube not to contradict his pronouncements.
Allowing such disregard sets a dangerous precedent in a party heavily relying on command politics.
The coming days will reveal whether Mnangagwa genuinely intends to pass the baton to a new leader.
His actions will determine if his pronouncement was sincere or a calculated political move to maintain control.
