President Emmerson Mnangagwa has commenced his annual leave, which will run for a month beginning this Tuesday, with clear arrangements put in place to ensure continuity of leadership during his absence. The announcement was made in an official statement released by the Deputy Chief Secretary for Presidential Communications, Mr George Charamba, who outlined how executive authority will be exercised while the President is away.
According to the statement, the President’s constitutional duties will be assumed on a rotational basis by the country’s two Vice Presidents, in line with established protocol and past practice. This arrangement, authorities say, is intended to guarantee stability, uninterrupted governance, and smooth coordination of state affairs throughout the period of leave.
Vice President Colonel (Retired) Dr Kembo Mohadi will be the first to take on the role of Acting President, assuming responsibility from December 23 to December 31. During this period, he will preside over government business, chair Cabinet where necessary, and oversee the execution of executive functions on behalf of the President.
From January 1 to January 13, 2026, the acting role will pass to Vice President General (Retired) Dr Constantino Chiwenga. He will then be responsible for leading the executive arm of government during the first half of January, a period that traditionally includes the resumption of full government activity following the festive season.
Thereafter, Vice President Mohadi will once again assume acting presidential duties from January 14 until President Mnangagwa returns to office in early February. This rotational arrangement reflects a balance between the two Vice Presidents and ensures that both remain actively engaged in overseeing national affairs during the President’s absence.
Mr Charamba emphasised that the arrangement is routine and in keeping with constitutional provisions governing executive authority when the Head of State and Government is on leave. He noted that such transitions are carefully planned to avoid any leadership vacuum and to maintain the steady functioning of government institutions.
“Government business will continue as normal,” Charamba said in the statement. “The Acting Presidents will exercise the necessary authority to ensure that all state matters are attended to without interruption.”
President Mnangagwa’s annual leave comes at the end of a demanding year marked by significant political, economic, and social developments. Over recent months, the President has been involved in high-level regional and international engagements, domestic policy initiatives, and ongoing efforts to stabilise and grow the economy.
Annual leave for the President is a customary practice and is often used as a period of rest while also allowing space for strategic reflection ahead of the new year. While on leave, the President remains available for consultation if required, but day-to-day executive responsibilities are delegated to the Acting Presidents.
Political analysts say the clear communication around the acting arrangements sends a reassuring signal to both citizens and investors. “The transparency around who is in charge and when is important for confidence,” said one governance expert. “It shows institutional maturity and respect for constitutional processes.”
The rotation between Vice Presidents has become a familiar feature during periods when the President is out of the country or on leave. In previous years, similar arrangements have been implemented without disruption, with Cabinet, Parliament, and other arms of the state continuing to function normally.
Meanwhile, ministries, departments, and government agencies have been advised to carry on with their mandates as usual, reporting to the Acting President in office at any given time. Senior officials are expected to maintain close coordination to ensure policy implementation and service delivery remain on track.
As the country heads into the new year, attention will likely focus on economic priorities, infrastructure development, and governance reforms, areas that will continue to be overseen by the Acting Presidents until Mnangagwa resumes office.
President Mnangagwa is expected to return to full duties in early February, after which normal leadership arrangements will be restored. Until then, the government has assured the nation that the rotational acting system will provide continuity, stability, and effective oversight of state affairs during his absence.
Source- ZBC
