Call for President’s term extension amplified

Source: The Herald – Breaking news.

 Cde Mary Mliswa-Chikoka

Conrad Mupesa and Fungai Lupande

CALLS for President Mnangagwa’s term of office to extend beyond 2028 continue to grow following interdistrict meetings held in Mashonaland West and Mashonaland Central provinces yesterday.

The interdistrict meetings saw party cadres implore the President to remain in office until 2030 to witness the successful fruition of Vision 2030.

Party members also took time to castigate Cde Blessed “Bombshell” Geza whose life in Zanu PF hangs by a thread.

Following his unwarranted claims and calls for President Mnangagwa to resign, the Zanu PF Mashonaland West Province leadership and party membership have recommended his expulsion from the party.

In Mhondoro-Mubaira Constituency, Zanu PF party members drawn from the various wards of the area converged at Neuso Business Centre, where the meeting commended the development brought about by the Second Republic.

“We have seen a lot of development that the Second Republic, under the astute leadership of President Mnangagwa, brought to our area. There has been massive infrastructure development in our area and we want the President to continue,” a party member attending the meeting said.

Community members have also showered the President with praises for availing food assistance following the Cyclone Idai-induced drought.

Mhondoro-Mubaira Member of Parliament Cde Simba Chiwanza said the President deserved a the term extension because the empowerment programmes his Government has been implementing have changed the lives of multitudes of people.

He noted that through the Constituency Development Funds (CDF), his area was headed for massive infrastructure development.

Zanu PF Women’s League provincial chairperson Cde Constance Shamu said President Mnangagwa had put in place empowerment programmes for women.

Zanu PF provincial chairperson Cde Mary Mliswa-Chikoka said the calls for President Mnangagwa’s term extension were coming from the people.

“The President has never requested that his term of office be extended. We the people, have made calls that he should be in office until 2030. This is not anywhere near third-term bidding as he is not interested in running for any more terms,” she said.

In Mashonaland Central Province, the party leadership and membership said they remain steadfast on the province’s term extension stance because President Mnangagwa has earned it through his hard work.

At a meeting in Bindura yesterday, Politburo member and Minister of Veterans of the Liberation Struggle Affairs, Cde Monica Mavhunga, emphasised that this sentiment reflects the wishes of the masses.

The meeting was called to give feedback from the National People’s Conference.

Party leaders have been assigned the task of conveying this information to their respective communities.

Cde Mavhunga assured participants at the meeting that there was nothing to fear in calling for the President’s term extension.

“The Constitution can be amended; that is the duty of Parliament. While some claim President Mnangagwa is a constitutionalist—which is true—the voice of the people is the voice of God,” she said.

“The majority believe that your transformative work as President makes it essential for you to complete what you started. If someone does not support Vision 2030, that is their own issue. We will adhere to the party resolutions,” she said.

Cde Mavhunga spoke against individuals trying to create divisions within the party leadership, stating that the Presidium is united and party cadres should refrain from such tendencies.

She encouraged respect for leaders and unity within the party.

“Sometimes we assume that people know things when they don’t. The information must reach the grassroots level. I urge party members to read and understand the party constitution; this is essential for your growth within the party,” she said.

“Our resolution as a party is that President Mnangagwa must continue until 2030 to fulfil his vision. The roadmap has been outlined in the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1).”

Zanu PF Mashonaland Central provincial vice chairperson, Cde Christopher Magomo, said yesterday’s meeting was the fifth of its a series of briefings the party has been holding as it aims to communicate outcomes from last year’s National People’s Conference across the districts.

He noted that disgruntled, resigned, and frustrated individuals are spreading misinformation.

“They want to create factions, but we reject this disharmony. We want all leaders here to convey the message that Zanu PF is united and strong,” he asserted.

“We do not take orders from social media, the party has established proper structures. We know where to address our grievances, not on WhatsApp.”

Cde Magomo indicated that anyone opposing the party’s resolution to extend the President’s term ceases to be a member, as the party constitution requires members to follow the rules and regulations.

“Party members must strengthen, defend, popularise, and promote the party. Don’t stand by and watch as your country and President are insulted,” he said.

“The President is working hard, and we have an obligation to support him in realising Vision 2030. Inform people back home about the truth, so they are not swayed. Zanu PF is a party for the masses and we want everyone on board.”

Provincial youth chairperson Cde Emmerson Raradza said the youth will defend President Mnangagwa and Zanu PF.

He said 2030 belongs to President Mnangagwa and no one should undermine his achievements.