HARARE — Former ZANU-PF Central Committee member and outspoken war veteran Blessed Geza has warned that President Emmerson Mnangagwa faces a looming political showdown at the upcoming ZANU-PF National Conference, hinting at deepening cracks within the ruling party.
Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Geza issued a stern warning that the meeting would not unfold as a routine gathering for Mnangagwa and his inner circle, accusing the president’s allies — often referred to as zvigananda — of manipulating party structures for personal gain.
“Fellow Zimbabweans, we are planning to deal with Emmerson once and for all. This upcoming conference will not be business as usual for Emmerson and his zvigananda. Watch the space — kuchachemwa,” Geza wrote.
The combative ex-combatant also criticised ZANU-PF spokesperson Christopher Mutsvangwa, who recently defended individuals targeted by Vice President Constantino Chiwenga, after Chiwenga labelled several politically connected businessmen as zvigananda — a term now synonymous with corruption and cronyism.
“Mutsvangwa is my long-time ally but sometimes he misfires,” Geza said. “You can’t say that Gen Chiwenga — a man who saved us from the jaws of Mugabe’s bad governance and the G40 faction — should be criticised by someone who knows nothing about the liberation struggle. Retract that statement, Chris.”
Geza’s comments underscore growing internal divisions within ZANU-PF as Mnangagwa’s leadership comes under increasing scrutiny from within his own ranks. Insiders say tensions have reached unprecedented levels, with rival factions now openly challenging the president’s control over the party ahead of the 2027 elective congress.
The National Conference, expected to convene later this month, is anticipated to serve as a key battleground in the escalating Mnangagwa–Chiwenga succession struggle — a contest that could define the party’s political trajectory heading into the 2028 elections.
While Mnangagwa’s loyalists continue to insist that the president retains firm control of the party, war veterans and provincial leaders aligned with Chiwenga have been increasingly vocal in demanding accountability, transparency, and what they describe as a return to the “values of the liberation movement.”
Political analysts say Geza’s warning reflects a shifting power dynamic in ZANU-PF, where fear of open dissent once prevailed. Now, even senior party members appear emboldened to challenge the president’s authority publicly — a rare sign of instability in the post-Mugabe era.
The party leadership has yet to issue an official response to Geza’s remarks.
