Tensions within Zanu PF are escalating following a public defence of Vice President Constantino Chiwenga by a faction of war veterans, in response to calls for his resignation over remarks interpreted as criticism of proposed constitutional changes.
Chairperson of a faction of the Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans Association (ZNLWVA), Ethan Mathibela said they reject calls for Chiwenga to step down, an intervention that comes amid growing unease within the ruling party over the controversial Constitutional Amendment Bill, No. 3.
The situation intensified after former Zanu PF Mashonaland West provincial chairperson, Temba Mliswa publicly urged Chiwenga to resign, accusing him of undermining President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
Posting on social media platform X, Mliswa alleged the VP was aligning himself with opposition narratives and engaging in “content creation” to subtly challenge Zanu PF’s position on the constitutional amendments.
Mliswa’s remarks followed Chiwenga’s appearance at a Roman Catholic gathering in Murewa last Saturday, where he shared a biblical reflection on King Hezekiah, who, after he was told would die, prayed for more time and was granted an additional 15 years, which later brought unintended consequences.
The analogy was widely interpreted in political circles as a veiled critique of efforts to amend Zimbabwe’s Constitution, potentially extending President Mnangagwa’s tenure, an interpretation that has fuelled debate within Zanu PF and beyond.
Mliswa described the Chiwenga’s conduct as “a brazen attack” on the President.
“For one so close to the President to resort to this is diplomatically gross and strategically poor,” Mliswa said.
“He should resign and then canvass for support elsewhere if he disagrees with the direction of the party.”
However, Mathibela dismissed these calls as “misplaced, legally unfounded and inconsistent with the constitutional order of Zimbabwe,” warning against the politicisation of religious expression.
“The Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans Association notes with concern recent public statements calling for the resignation of Honourable Vice President Dr. Constantino Chiwenga, premised solely on his participation in, and sharing of, a church sermon rooted in biblical teachings,” Mathibela said.
He argued that Zimbabwe’s Constitution guarantees fundamental freedoms that extend to all citizens, including those in high office.
“Sections 58, 60 and 61 guarantee freedom of assembly and association, freedom of conscience and religion, and freedom of expression, respectively. These rights are not selectively applied, they extend to every citizen, including public officials,” he said.
Mathibela added that holding public office does not strip individuals of their personal liberties.
“The mere fact that the Vice President occupies high office does not curtail his right to worship, to reflect and to share his faith. To suggest otherwise is to advance a dangerous and unconstitutional doctrine,” he said.
Mathibela stressed that attending a church service and sharing scriptural reflections could not reasonably be construed as misconduct or grounds for resignation.
“Calls for resignation in a constitutional democracy must be grounded in clear and substantive issues such as illegality or failure to discharge duties, not matters of personal faith,” he said.
The ongoing exchange signals growing fractures, particularly within Zanu PF, where the constitutional amendment bill has generated both support and resistance within the ruling party.
Mliswa argued the bill is a collective party position that has passed through key decision-making organs, including the Politburo, Central Committee and Cabinet.
“He failed to block the resolution at every stage, and now he is resorting to veiled attacks,” Mliswa said, suggesting that Chiwenga’s remarks were politically motivated.
Mathibela, however, said the focus should remain on constitutional principles rather than political interpretation.
“We are deeply concerned by the growing tendency to deliberately politicise religious spaces and messages for narrow agendas,”said the war vets leader.
“Such actions risk undermining both the sanctity of religious expression and the integrity of national discourse.”
Mathibela urged political actors to exercise restraint and prioritise national interest over factional disputes.
“Public discourse must be guided by law, facts and national interest, not conjecture or opportunistic interpretation,” he said, underscoring the continued role of liberation war veterans as political stakeholders.
“In conclusion, we reaffirm that Honourable Vice President Dr. Constantino Chiwenga has committed no offence warranting calls for his resignation.
“Zimbabwe must remain a nation where both leaders and ordinary citizens are free to worship and express their beliefs without fear of intimidation or political reprisal.”