ZANU PF Rejects Outsiders’ Interference in Leadership Succession, Focuses on Economy

ZANU PF is fundamentally a party driven by its members and rejects interference from outsiders trying to dictate who should succeed President Emmerson Mnangagwa, according to a senior party official.

Christopher Mutsvangwa, the party’s Information Secretary, told reporters this week that the forthcoming ZANU PF conference, scheduled to take place in Manicaland from October 13 to 18, will prioritize economic issues over leadership succession.

“The main focus will be on addressing Zimbabwe’s economic challenges and improving the well-being of its citizens,” Mutsvangwa explained.

He emphasized that economic performance is critical because it forms the foundation of ZANU PF’s continued governance. The party committed to providing Zimbabweans with freedom, defense, independence, unity, and a modern economy — promises it says it is fulfilling.

“It pledged a national currency, regional integration with neighboring countries, and more. These achievements are the true legacy of ZANU PF, not the distractions created by critics from all sides,” he added.

Mutsvangwa noted that the Manicaland conference will assess progress on key goals set in the past year.

He praised the people of Manicaland for their historical role in training guerrillas during the liberation struggle but criticized outsiders who are trying to stir up succession debates out of animosity towards the party’s leader.

Referring to resolutions passed at the previous conference in Bulawayo, he reminded that a motion was adopted endorsing President Mnangagwa to potentially serve until 2030.

“We are approaching the conference dates — October 13 to 18, 2025 — an important event for the party. At the last conference in Bulawayo, resolutions including the one supporting Mnangagwa’s candidacy beyond 2028 were adopted,” he said.

Mutsvangwa acknowledged that the President has stated he will abide by the constitution and step down after his term ends in 2028, but the final decision will be made at the upcoming conference, which is only two years away.

He stressed that party members have the democratic right to decide the leadership’s future and reprimanded those who oppose Mnangagwa’s continuation.

“If people see a President delivering results, they have a right to want him to continue. The Constitution is a product of the people, and it can be amended if the democratic will demands it,” he said.

He added that non-members should not try to influence the party’s direction from the outside.

“If you are not a member, you have no say in internal party matters. Join the party if you want to contribute and express your views in the proper forum,” Mutsvangwa stated.

He reminded new members to respect the party’s democratic processes and accept majority decisions, even if their views do not prevail.

“ZANU PF values open debate and resolutions, but ultimately the decisions rest with the leadership and the party’s members. Outsiders are irrelevant in this process,” he said.

Mutsvangwa also disclosed that some opponents have long resisted Mnangagwa’s leadership, trying to remove him ever since he became President and party leader.

“This opposition explains why sanctions remain and why succession has been a constant topic, despite Mnangagwa’s focus on building a modern economy,” he said.

He concluded that while detractors remain fixated on removing Mnangagwa, ZANU PF members remain focused on Zimbabwe’s progress under his leadership.

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