The ruling ZANU-PF’s Manicaland Women’s League has reignited one of the most contentious political debates in Zimbabwe — the ED2030 Agenda — a move analysts say could deal a decisive blow to Vice President Constantino Chiwenga’s long‑heralded presidential ambitions and possibly end his political career.
The ED2030 campaign seeks a constitutional amendment to extend President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s tenure until 2030. Proponents argue it will provide policy continuity and allow the completion of key projects under Vision 2030 and the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1). However, critics perceive it as a carefully orchestrated manoeuvre to consolidate Mnangagwa’s power and sideline Chiwenga, who many once believed was the heir apparent under the so‑called gentlemen’s agreement forged during the 2017 coup that brought Mnangagwa to power.
At the time of Robert Mugabe’s ouster, it was widely understood that Mnangagwa would serve a single term before handing over power to Chiwenga. Instead, Mnangagwa has entrenched his hold over both the state and party, systematically empowering loyalists who have rallied around ED2030 as a political strategy to block any succession pathway.
The latest development came during a provincial executive meeting in Manicaland, where the Women’s League chairperson, Cde Dorothy Mabika, declared that the province would use the upcoming ZANU-PF National Conference in Mutare (October 13–18) to push for the formal adoption of ED2030.
“Last year, we passed a resolution that the President should remain in office until 2030. It has been almost a year without progress on its implementation. As we go into another conference, we are saying our resolution should be implemented expeditiously. This is our unanimous position as the Women’s League in Manicaland,” Mabika told delegates.
The backing of the Women’s League carries significant political weight. Historically, this wing of ZANU‑PF has been a decisive force in leadership battles — from championing Joice Mujuru before her purge, to later endorsing Mnangagwa in the factional wars that led to Mugabe’s downfall. Their latest support for ED2030 is not merely a statement of policy; it is a strategic signal that Mnangagwa has consolidated another pillar of the party’s grassroots machinery, further isolating Chiwenga.
Manicaland Women’s League Revives ED2030 Agenda, Undermining Chiwenga’s Political Future
For Chiwenga, already weakened by Mnangagwa’s systematic reshuffles, constitutional manoeuvres, and patronage-building, the Women’s League’s endorsement of ED2030 represents a sharp setback. Political observers note that while the league frames its position as rooted in “policy continuity” and “development stability,” the underlying reality is an unresolved succession struggle at the heart of ZANU‑PF.
Mnangagwa’s faction appears determined to forestall any leadership transition, while Chiwenga’s allies in the military and security establishment see ED2030 as a direct breach of the 2017 pact. In this context, the Women’s League’s resolution is more than a policy stance — it is a declaration of political allegiance that strengthens Mnangagwa’s hand.
Factionalism within ZANU‑PF has intensified in recent months, spilling into the public domain through rallies, social media campaigns, and media commentary. Rival groups have waged propaganda battles, each seeking to dominate the narrative ahead of the national conference.
The Manicaland Women’s League’s open declaration for ED2030 now signals a key victory for Mnangagwa, as it secures the support of one of the party’s influential wings. For Mnangagwa’s camp, this is a powerful weapon to cement his continued rule. For Chiwenga, it marks not just a political blow but possibly the final blow to his long‑nurtured ambition of succeeding Mnangagwa.
The ZANU‑PF National Conference in Mutare promises to be dominated by this succession debate. Thousands of delegates from across the country will converge to discuss the future direction of the party, and ED2030 will be a central talking point.
For Mnangagwa loyalists, the Women’s League resolution is both a vindication of their strategy and a clear mandate to push the agenda forward. For Chiwenga and his supporters, it crystallises the political reality that their window for leadership transition has narrowed drastically.
The revival of the ED2030 Agenda by the Manicaland Women’s League is a turning point in Zimbabwe’s ruling party politics. It underlines the deep divisions within ZANU‑PF and exposes the fragility of succession agreements that once seemed certain. As the national conference approaches, the battle for the future of Zimbabwe’s leadership is set to intensify — and for Chiwenga, the political writing may now be on the wall.
The Women’s League’s move is not just a policy statement; it is a political signal of Mnangagwa’s dominance and a potential end to Chiwenga’s presidential aspirations. The unfolding events in Mutare will be decisive, shaping the trajectory of Zimbabwe’s political landscape for years to come.
Source- Zim Eye
