Mnangagwa’s
supporters are pushing for the extension of his tenure to 2030, a move analysts
say is unconstitutional. Mnangagwa has insisted that he is a constitutionalist
and will retire at the end of his tenure in 2028, although his loyalists have
intensified plans to extend his stay.
Sources told
NewsDay yesterday that the term extension has become a thorny issue with Zanu
PF structures and government officials clashing over the impending reshuffle.
Presidential
spokesperson George Charamba yesterday refused to comment on the issues,
describing them as “nonsense”.
Reports have,
however, indicated that a rift is brewing between Local Government and Public
Works minister Daniel Garwe and secretary John Basera. The secretary, who was
posted to the ministry from the Agriculture ministry in 2023, is said to be
eyeing a ministerial appointment.
Basera
yesterday scoffed at the allegations.
Garwe has not
been available to respond to the allegations since last week.
However,
reports indicate that the two have not been on good terms for a long time.
According to
sources close to the two, the duo has in the past differed over projects such
as the Nyore-nyore housing development project and the Helcraw-City of Harare
water meter deal, among others.
The recent
power blackout at Parliament building during Mnangagwa’s State of the Nation
Address is said to have worsened relations between the two.
“Directors in
the ministry were suspended, but Dr Basera believes it was the minister’s fault
as he did not do his part, in terms of ensuring the groundwork was done,”
sources said.
“Basera is of
the view that his minister is claiming credit when he is the brains behind the
projects.”
Sources say
there is a plot for Garwe to be deployed to Zanu PF headquarters to push for the
extension of Mnangagwa’s tenure.
“Garwe has done
well in advocating for the 2030 term extension, and there is a belief that such
an appointment will open space for the permanent secretary,” sources said.
Recently, the
local government and public works ministry proposed putting a perimeter wall at
the Diplomatic Village and Mnangagwa did not approve the project.
“Construction
of a wall at the Diplomatic Village in Mt Hampden is another source of rift.
The proposal by the minister was rejected by President Mnangagwa and Basera
argues that the deal was not structured properly, hence being thrown out,”
sources said.
The reshuffle
has been the subject of speculation since the conclusion of the Zanu PF 22nd
National People’s Conference in Mutare, where it was resolved that the ruling
party should push the government to implement a party resolution to extend
Mnangagwa’s term in office.
This has
prompted Cabinet ministers to ensure their visibility in a bid to please the
appointing authority as they eye re-appointment or elevation to lucrative
portfolios.
Over the years,
rumours of a Cabinet reshuffle have always created rifts among government
officials.
It has also
created a bootlicking frenzy as party and government officials outdo each other
to gain the attention of the appointing authority. The ED2030 agenda has become
canon fodder for government and party officials as they sharpen their
bootlicking skills.
Sources say
Mnangagwa’s loyalists, the 2030 crusaders, feel they should be rewarded for
their “sterling work” and want punishment to be meted out on those who appear
to be singing a different tune.
However,
analysts say a Cabinet reshuffle has the potential to widen the rift in the
governing party, where fault lines are clearly visible. Newsday
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