THE QUIET PLAN TO STEAL ZIMBABWE’S FUTURE

Zimbabweans must pay close attention to what is happening inside ZANU PF. While public talk about succession has become quieter, the real battle for power has not ended. It has simply moved behind closed doors, away from the eyes of ordinary citizens.

President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s second term is supposed to end in 2028. The constitution is clear about presidential terms and election timelines. But once again, there are clear signs that those in power are working to change the rules for their own benefit.

At the next ZANU PF conference in Mutare from 13 to 18 October, Mnangagwa’s allies are expected to push for another resolution that would help him stay in power beyond 2028. This comes after last year’s conference in Bulawayo, where a resolution was already passed to support extending his rule to 2030. Now the goal appears to be turning that political wish into actual law.

Zimbabweans have seen this kind of politics before. Leaders say one thing in public, but their actions tell a very different story.

Mnangagwa has often claimed that he respects the constitution and does not want to stay beyond two terms. But if that is true, why are his closest allies working so hard to create legal paths for him to remain in office? These actions do not happen without approval from the top.

Patrick Chinamasa and Justice Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi were reportedly tasked with finding ways to make the 2023 resolution legal. That alone should worry every citizen who believes in democracy. Laws should protect the people, not be rewritten to protect politicians.

Even more troubling is the role of powerful business figures such as Kudakwashe Tagwirei, who is closely linked to this political push. When politics and business power mix in this way, ordinary people are usually the ones who lose.

What makes this situation even more shocking is Zimbabwe’s recent history. Mnangagwa came into power in 2017 through military intervention. One of the key figures in that rise was Vice-President Constantino Chiwenga. Now there appears to be a struggle to block Chiwenga from succeeding him.

This is no longer about constitutional order. It is about personal power.

The most dangerous statement came from Local Government Minister Daniel Garwe, who openly said there may be no elections in 2028. Instead, he says elections could be moved to 2030 if the constitution is changed.

That should alarm every Zimbabwean.

The constitution clearly says elections must happen every five years. Delaying elections is not a small political adjustment. It is a direct attack on democratic rights. Citizens vote to choose leaders. Taking away that right is taking away the people’s voice.

Garwe says all ten provinces support this plan. But the real question is whether the people support it. That is likely why there appears to be an effort to avoid a referendum. Changing presidential term limits directly would require public approval, and perhaps those pushing this plan fear the people would reject it.

So instead of asking the nation, they may try to use Parliament as a shortcut.

That is not democracy. That is political manipulation.

Zimbabwe is facing serious economic hardship. People are struggling to survive. Hospitals are under pressure. Young people have few opportunities. Families are carrying heavy burdens every day. Yet those in power seem focused not on solving these problems, but on protecting political positions.

This is not leadership.

When politicians begin changing rules to stay in office longer, democracy becomes weak. Institutions lose meaning. The constitution becomes just paper.

Zimbabwe belongs to its people, not to one political party or one man.

If leaders truly respect democracy, they must honour the constitution, respect election timelines, and allow the people to decide the future.

Power must never be treated as private property.

2028 must remain an election year.

Zimbabweans must remain alert.