HARARE – A looming Cabinet reshuffle has ignited fresh tensions within government and the ruling ZANU PF party, amid reports of widening divisions over an alleged internal push to extend President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s stay in office beyond his constitutional term limit in 2028.
Multiple senior government sources told NewsDay that President Mnangagwa is preparing to announce a significant reshuffle in the coming weeks, a move that has unsettled ministers and fuelled factional anxiety across both the party and the State. The reshuffle is reportedly aimed at consolidating loyalty within the executive and rewarding those aligned with the President’s inner circle, particularly ahead of critical political developments leading up to the 2028 elections.
However, insiders say the exercise has been complicated by simmering disagreements over a parallel campaign by Mnangagwa’s supporters to push for a constitutional amendment that would allow him to extend his tenure to 2030. The move, if pursued, would echo similar manoeuvres in other African countries where leaders have sought to extend term limits — a move critics warn could destabilise Zimbabwe’s fragile political equilibrium.
Party insiders said the “2030 Agenda” — as it is informally known — has already polarised ZANU PF, with some senior members viewing it as a betrayal of Mnangagwa’s previous commitments to respect the Constitution. “There are factions within the party that believe the President should stay beyond 2028 to maintain unity and stability,” one source said. “But others feel this will destroy ZANU PF’s democratic credibility and invite international condemnation.”
Political analysts say Mnangagwa, who turns 83 in 2025, faces an increasingly delicate balancing act — managing internal power struggles while projecting an image of constitutional fidelity. “If the President is genuine about retiring in 2028, then he must clearly disassociate himself from the 2030 campaign,” said political scientist Dr Eldred Masunungure. “Otherwise, his silence may be seen as tacit approval, which only fuels factional mistrust.”
Mnangagwa has publicly stated that he will respect constitutional term limits, declaring earlier this year that he is “a constitutionalist” who will retire when his tenure ends. Yet, behind closed doors, some party heavyweights are lobbying to keep him in power, arguing that his departure could trigger a bitter succession battle.
ZANU PF insiders revealed that several ministers, provincial chairpersons, and senior politburo members have aligned themselves with rival camps ahead of the anticipated reshuffle. The faction backing Vice President Constantino Chiwenga reportedly views the shake-up as an attempt to weaken his influence within both the military and the party.
“The reshuffle is about more than just performance,” said one source close to the party leadership. “It’s about positioning loyalists strategically — especially in ministries that control key resources and political mobilisation.”
The divisions come at a time when Zimbabwe’s economy remains under strain, with inflationary pressures, currency instability, and growing public frustration over poor service delivery. Critics warn that political infighting could further distract the government from addressing the country’s economic and governance crises.
Meanwhile, civil society groups and opposition parties have expressed alarm over growing talk of constitutional amendments. The Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) described the 2030 campaign as “a direct assault on democracy,” urging regional and international observers to keep a close eye on developments in Harare.
Despite mounting speculation, presidential spokesperson George Charamba dismissed reports of internal discord, saying the President “remains focused on governance and delivering his electoral promises.” However, he did not rule out a Cabinet reshuffle, stating only that “adjustments are a normal part of any government’s evolution.”
As speculation mounts, observers say the coming weeks could prove decisive for both Mnangagwa’s legacy and the future direction of ZANU PF. Whether the looming reshuffle serves as a tool for renewal or consolidation, one thing is clear — the battle for Zimbabwe’s political future has already begun behind closed doors.
