By Tinashe Mukori

The ZANU PF National People’s Conference, an annual gathering of party members and leaders, has captured both local and international attention following its recent past session in Bulawayo last year. At the heart of last year’s discussions was Resolution Number One, a proposal to extend President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa’s term beyond 2028 to 2030 – a topic that has since sparked intense political debate.

The Conference: A Pillar of ZANU PF Governance

As the party’s most significant and highest decision-making platform outside its Congress, the National People’s Conference is undeniably a cornerstone of ZANU PF’s robust internal democracy. It convenes high-raking officials, including the President and First Secretary, members of Parliament, regional leaders, and party faithfuls. The conference addresses a number of issues including:

▪Policy formulation and evaluation.
▪Strategies for national development.
▪Governance and party leadership.
▪Economic and social issues affecting the nation.

More than just a platform for dialogue, it also serves as an opportunity for leaders to report on their progress and accomplishments, while establishing new objectives and resolutions for the party. These resolutions of the ruling party in turn influence government policy as per the principle of Party Supremacy over Government, and that’s why the Conference attracts a lot of attention from across the body politic.

In overall, the conference is vital for steering the party’s direction and policies and fostering unity and collaboration among all members.

Resolution Number One: Extending the President’s Term

Cde Patrick Chinamasa, ZANU PF Secretary for Legal Affairs, announced the resolution to extend President Mnangagwa’s term beyond 2028 to 2030, emphasizing the need for constitutional amendments to implement this decision.

“NOW THEREFORE, the delegates to the ZANU PF 21st National People’s Conference resolve as follows:

A. State of the Party

” 1.The President and First Secretary of ZANU PF Party, His Excellency, Cde. Dr E. D. Mnangagwa’s term of office as President of the Republic of Zimbabwe and First Secretary of ZANU PF be extended beyond 2028 to 2030.The Party and Government should, therefore, set in motion the necessary amendments to the National Constitution so as to give effect to this resolution “, echoed Cde Chinamasa.

He however hastened to affirm the President’s hesitation and position on this, underscoring the President’s dedication to constitutionalism, highlighting his role in crafting Zimbabwe’s current supreme law.

Discussions about the extension began long before the conference, fueled by widespread recognition of President Mnangagwa’s leadership, achievements, and great vision for the country. Proponents assert and strongly believe that extending his tenure is necessary to ensure the successful, unpertubed realization of Vision 2030, a blueprint for Zimbabwe’s socio-economic transformation.

Voices and expressions of Support for #Resolution Number One

Prominent voices within ZANU PF have rallied behind the resolution. Of note is Cde Supa Collins Mandiwanzira, a seasoned information practitioner and communications expert, who remarked in explicit terms that while varying viewpoints and opinions existed prior to the conference, #Resolution Number One now unifies and binds all party members.

It follows therefore that all disciplined party cadres should unanimously coalesce around #Resolution Number One. He reminded members of the principle of subordinating individual interests to collective party goals, including President Mnangagwa himself, who, as a party member first and foremost , is bound by its resolutions.

The President’s spotless and immaculate reputation as a constitutionalist has to be maintained and preserved, that’s why #Resolution Number One makes it abundantly clear that the Party and Government should, therefore, set in motion relevant legal and constitutional processes and amendments to the national constitution to effectuate this resolution!

Adding his weight and further endorsement to the proposal, Hon. Senator Sengezo Tshabangu, leader of the official opposition in Parliament, applauded President Mnangagwa’s leadership during a rare bipartisan gathering at Precabe Farm on 12 January 2025, symbolizing a much needed turn to pragmatic collective national collaboration indicative of our maturing democracy. His bold and emphatic declaration – “If our presence here improves your stay in power and the people of Zimbabwe are happy with it, so be it!” – was met with widespread applause, signaling a notable alignment across political divides.

A Turning Point in Zimbabwean Politics?

The proposal to extend President Mnangagwa’s presidency has garnered significant traction both within ZANU PF and across the political spectrum. There is widespread acceptance and convergence of views and support for the notion that the President’s visionary leadership and developmental strides warrant additional time in office to significantly consolidate progress.

The statement by Hon. Tshabangu expressly speaks to a budding cross-party consensus attesting to the President’s exceptional performance and his commitment to propelling national development, leaving no-one and no-place behind!

What Lies Ahead

With #Resolution Number One gaining unfettered momentum, the focus now shifts to the legal mechanisms required to implement it with utmost efficacy both legally and politically . The ZANU PF legal department has been tasked with crafting a path that adheres to constitutional principles while honoring the party’s directive.

As Zimbabwe approaches Vision 2030, the resolution reflects the party’s unwavering determination and unflinching commitment to maintain stability and continuity in leadership. This decision is already resonating with the broader populace, and its impact on the country’s political landscape is undeniable.

Remarkably , many have embraced the possibility and feasibility of #Resolution Number One implementation, and what remains debatable is only the modalities of execution.

An emerging debate is what Justice Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi, speaking to The Daily News said a few days ago that, “The Constitution allows for the deferment of elections if there is consensus among stakeholders and if the decision is in the national interest.”

The conference, once again, proved to be a pivotal moment in shaping Zimbabwe’s future – a testament to ZANU PF’s role in the nation’s governance and development.

Notably , this is the first time in the rich history of the Republic that there has been an open discussion and robust debate about extending a seating President’s term of office due to his sterling performance and outstanding achievements.

Government has completed over 8 000 projects countrywide since the advent of the Second Republic under President Mnangagwa in 2017. In the coming weeks, we will be dissecting and looking at these tremendous milestones that has necessitated the political discourse and public demand for the extension of President’s term of office to afford him sufficient time to advance Vision 2030!

About Author