HARARE – A new wave of political tension has erupted within ZANU-PF following a controversial social media post by government spokesperson Nick Mangwana, which many believe mocked Vice President Constantino Chiwenga.
The post, shared on X (formerly Twitter), showed President Emmerson Mnangagwa departing for Kenya surrounded by his close allies — including Home Affairs Minister Kazembe Kazembe (his son), Industry Minister Mangaliso Ndlovu, and Defence Minister Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri. The group appeared to be laughing heartily as Mnangagwa prepared to board the presidential jet.
Mangwana captioned the image with a cryptic remark in Shona: “Pasekwa munhu apa. Mukahumana munosekwa,” meaning, “They laughed at him. If you fumble, people laugh at you.”
The timing and tone of the post immediately set off speculation that Mnangagwa and his inner circle were mocking Chiwenga, who appeared bemused. The post has been viewed by many as part of a wider campaign to humiliate the Vice President amid intensifying power struggles within the ruling party.
Political analysts say the public display of camaraderie between Mnangagwa and his ministers — particularly his son, Kazembe Kazembe, whose influence has grown rapidly — is a deliberate show of dominance aimed at sidelining Chiwenga and his supporters.
Pasekwa munhu apa. Mukahumana munosekwa 😅 pic.twitter.com/8rN91CFL8y
— Nick Mangwana (@nickmangwana) October 8, 2025
“Such posts are never accidental,” said one Harare-based political commentator. “They are choreographed to send a message — that Mnangagwa’s camp feels untouchable and confident enough to ridicule his deputy in public.”
The image has also fuelled speculation that relations between Mnangagwa and Chiwenga have deteriorated further following reports that the Vice President’s allies have been purged from key party and government positions.
With the ZANU-PF National Conference set for Manicaland, insiders warn that factional hostilities are reaching boiling point. The Mangwana post, they say, is a reflection of the growing mockery and marginalisation of Chiwenga’s faction as Mnangagwa consolidates power ahead of potential succession battles.
“This was not just laughter — it was political theatre,” another analyst said. “It shows Mnangagwa’s inner circle now openly taunts those who dare challenge the throne.”
The post remains online, drawing thousands of reactions as speculation mounts over what really transpired at the airport — and what it signals about the deepening rift within Zimbabwe’s ruling elite.
