Minister Defends Mnangagwa’s Divine Mandate to Lead Until 2030

Local Government Minister Daniel Garwe asserted that President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s leadership is divinely appointed. He stated that removing Mnangagwa is a nearly impossible task due to his “God-anointed” status.

Garwe made these remarks during an indoctrination program organized by the Herbert Chitepo School of Ideology. Over 1,300 councillors, including members of the opposition, attended the event held in Harare.

In his speech, Garwe declared that Zimbabwe’s 2030 agenda is part of God’s plan, emphasizing that Vision 2030 is not Mnangagwa’s creation but a vision delivered to him by divine means.

Garwe stressed that leaders are chosen by a higher power, and citizens must support God’s choice. He argued that, despite opposition efforts to unseat Mnangagwa, he remains unmovable due to his divine endorsement.

Mnangagwa’s current term will constitutionally end in 2028. However, his loyalists are promoting the ED2030 agenda, positioning the President to stay in power until he fulfills the vision of transforming Zimbabwe into an upper-middle-income economy by 2030.

This agenda has caused some tension within Zanu PF. Certain party members now want to amend the Constitution to allow Mnangagwa to extend his presidency beyond 2028, adding another layer of complexity to the political landscape.

Garwe’s comments mirror a similar pattern of loyalist praise that Zimbabwe witnessed during the late Robert Mugabe’s tenure. Mugabe’s inner circle often compared him to extraordinary figures, with one minister famously likening him to Cremora, a powdered milk brand.

After Mugabe’s ousting during the 2017 military coup, many of his loyalists quickly realigned their allegiances. The coup marked a pivotal shift in Zimbabwe’s political history, with then-Vice President Constantino Chiwenga playing a central role.

Garwe urged opposition Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) councillors who were present at the indoctrination event to support Mnangagwa and Zanu PF’s programs, rallying them to spread the message of unity and peace as directed by the President.

He also promised to review the allowances and benefits of the councillors, likely as part of an effort to strengthen their loyalty to the ruling party.

During the event, Herbert Chitepo School of Ideology’s principal director, Ishmael Mada, revisited Mugabe’s final days in office. He described the former leader as “cunning” for initially refusing to sign his resignation letter during the 2017 coup, though he eventually stepped down.

Mada’s account of the coup offers a glimpse into the inner workings of Zimbabwe’s political transitions, shedding light on how the narrative of “restoring legacy” was framed to justify the removal of Mugabe.

The ongoing promotion of the ED2030 agenda reflects Zanu PF’s attempts to solidify Mnangagwa’s position. Whether these efforts will lead to further constitutional amendments remains a topic of speculation.

Garwe’s message resonates with the party’s broader campaign to maintain its grip on power, echoing historical practices of elevating leaders as divinely chosen figures.

The Zim Bulletin