Tsholotsho faction resurfaces in Zanu-PF Politburo reshuffle

Published: 1 hour ago

President Emmerson Mnangagwa's recent Zanu-PF Politburo reshuffle has seen members linked to the controversial Tsholotsho Declaration return to key positions, sparking concerns over the party's internal dynamics. The reshuffle appointed Jacob Mudenda, former party treasurer and current speaker of Parliament, as secretary general, replacing Obert Mpofu. Patrick Chinamasa moved from secretary for legal affairs to treasurer general, while Justice Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi assumed the role of secretary for legal affairs, vacated from ICT.

Mudenda and Chinamasa were historically connected to the 2004 Tsholotsho meeting, a factional plot within Zanu-PF aimed at positioning Mnangagwa for succession over the late president Robert Mugabe's anointed vice president, Joyce Mujuru. Both men were suspended from the party in 2005 for their involvement, alongside other figures such as Senate President Mabel Chinomona and Zanu-PF Bulawayo chairperson Jabulani Sibanda.

Analysts view the reshuffle as a consolidation of the Tsholotsho faction, predominantly Karanga, within the party. Jealous Mawarire noted that the appointments give Mudenda, Ziyambi, and Chinamasa strategic control over party and parliamentary processes, potentially facilitating moves to extend Mnangagwa's tenure beyond legal limits. "Mudenda, as secretary general and speaker, controls party agendas and parliamentary motions, while Ziyambi, as justice minister, can interpret legalities to rubber-stamp political decisions," Mawarire said.

Observers also criticized the move as prioritising loyalty over merit. Analyst Reason Wafawarova highlighted that all three appointees had previously been rejected by voters, yet were elevated to influential roles. "This discourages fresh thinking, silences independent voices, and sends a message that loyalty to one man trumps electoral credibility," he said. Ntokozo Msipha added that recycling rejected leaders erodes public trust and fuels disillusionment among Zimbabweans.

The reshuffle occurs against a backdrop of speculation over a potential third term for Mnangagwa. While the president has publicly stated he is not seeking an extension, factions within Zanu-PF and supportive business elites, including controversial figures like Wicknell Chivayo, are reportedly mobilising resources to back the 2030 campaign. Deputy President Constantino Chiwenga, who played a pivotal role in Mnangagwa's rise in 2017, has yet to endorse the push for an extended term.

The return of the Tsholotsho-linked leaders signals a renewed factional influence within Zanu-PF, raising questions about internal democracy, loyalty, and the party's future direction ahead of the 2030 elections.
- The Standard

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