Mwonzora slams Zanu PF’s obsession with ED’s term extension instead of service delivery

MOVEMENT for Democratic Change (MDC) leader, Douglas Mwonzora has lashed out at the ruling party, Zanu PF, for prioritising the extension of President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s rule rather than addressing the hardships faced by citizens.

Mwonzora said this as the MDC commemorated its 25th anniversary.

The opposition leader said the majority of citizens are bearing the brunt of economic instability and corruption, which has been perpetuated by Zanu PF elites.

“Many years later, our people still live under a cruel and corrupt dictatorship which has delivered untold riches to a few privileged Zimbabweans and their foreign friends. The majority of our people remain consigned to debilitating poverty, misery and want.

“Few Zimbabweans can afford a decent education, health care and access to opportunity. Currently, over 500 000 children are out of school as a direct result of poverty. Mass employment which has seen college graduates resorting to menial jobs and hustling to eke a living has become the new normal.

“Many Zimbabweans are traversing the world in search of greener pastures in far off lands. Sadly, while our people are suffering, the ruling party remains obsessed with giving the president and Parliament a third term thus totally emasculated our Constitution, looting our national resources and devising methods of stealing future elections,” said Mwonzora.

Established at the turn of the millenium, the MDC, then under Morgan Tsvangirai, challenged Robert Mugabe directly coming close to seizing power from Zanu PF in the 2008 elections.

However, the once formidable opposition party has fragmented due to internal conflicts since the death of founding leader Tsvangirai in 2018.

While acknowledging the waning of the opposition party, Mwonzora said MDC has the potential to annihilate Zanu PF.

“Of course, the party has gone through great shocks, including externally induced splits, over the years. Vile propaganda has been meted against the party by enemies and yet the party has remained standing and true to its values.

“It has been at the forefront of fighting against delimitation and third-termism. It remains the only torch bearer in the fight for political, social and economic reform in the country,” he said.

Meanwhile a very senior Zanu PF Official mooted a constitutional amendment to extend presidential term.

Constitutional amendments are possible worldwide, and Zimbabwe’s Second Republic may follow suit to meet its expectations, according to Zanu PF Secretary for National Security, Lovemore Matuke.

Speaking at a recent Zanu PF Midlands Provincial Coordinating Committee meeting, Matuke emphasized that Zimbabwe’s Constitution was “not cast in stone,” suggesting the possibility of changes to suit the country’s evolving needs.

“I have heard people talking about the Constitution and what it purportedly stipulates, and that is their perspective,” Matuke said.

“But remember, we have made a few amendments already, and this Constitution is not rigid. If we need to change it to suit what we want, we will do so without any apologies. Don’t let people mislead you.”

Matuke’s comments come amid growing calls within Zanu PF for President Emmerson Mnangagwa to extend his term beyond its scheduled end in 2028. Party members argue that Mnangagwa’s leadership has led to significant infrastructure development, advancements in agriculture, mining, and innovation in tertiary institutions. These supporters believe extending his term is essential for the full realization of Vision 2030, a plan to transform Zimbabwe into an upper-middle-income country.

Zanu PF structures have been vocal about the need for Mnangagwa to stay in power until 2030 or beyond to continue driving the country’s development. His current term, while set to end in 2028, may face pressure for extension, as party loyalists credit his administration with tangible progress in multiple sectors, including road construction, dam building, modernizing border posts, and bolstering the economy.

The debate over amending the Constitution to extend Mnangagwa’s presidency is likely to intensify in the coming years, as Zimbabwe navigates its path toward Vision 2030.

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