ZINASU rejects Zimbabwe’s presidential term extension to 2030

Zimbabwe National Students Union (ZINASU) has strongly condemned the push for an extension of President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s term to 2030, calling it a violation of the country’s constitution and a direct threat to democracy.
ZANU-PF and some opposition members have advocated for extending President Mnangagwa’s administration to 2030, despite the Zimbabwean constitution limiting presidential terms to two.
The specifics of how this extension would be implemented remain unclear, though President Mnangagwa has publicly denied any intentions of seeking a third term.
ZINASU, representing Zimbabwean university students, has expressed firm opposition to what they described as an unconstitutional “stayist agenda” being pushed by Mnangagwa’s supporters.
As Chancellor of all State Universities, President Mnangagwa’s role in higher education adds another dimension to the controversy.
In their position statement, ZINASU Secretary General Emmanuel Devine Nyakudya said the student movement stands firmly against “the unpopular drive peddled by those around the sitting Chancellor of all State Universities and President of Zimbabwe.”
“This move is an affront to the very fabric of our democracy and a slap in the face of the Zimbabwean people,” said Nyakudya.
He said students envision an inclusive and democratic Zimbabwe where they are integral stakeholders, their concerns are addressed, and academic freedoms are upheld through student representation at the national level.
“We will not stand idly by while our constitutional rights are trampled upon.”
Nyakudya described the proposed extension as a blatant disregard for democratic principles, universal sovereignty, and constitutional respect.
He added that the agenda perpetuates “the rampant cancer of stayism” plaguing many African nations where leaders cling to power indefinitely. “Leaders should lead and step down, paving the way for younger generations to take the reins and uphold the laws of the land,” he stated.
The students expressed deep concern about the agenda’s far-reaching implications for the nation’s future.
“We will not allow the ruling party and the Chancellor of all State Universities and President of Zimbabwe to undermine the principles of democracy and the Constitution through Parliament or any other means.”
“We call upon all progressive students, civil society organisations, and the people of Zimbabwe to join us in rejecting this unconstitutional agenda,” Nyakudya added.
He urged vigilance and readiness to take action against threats to democracy. The union outlined key areas of focus: upholding democratic constitutionalism, ensuring periodic elections, creating an enabling environment, and maintaining student representation.
Nyakudya concluded by asserting that students who value academic freedom and uphold the constitution know their rights and will ensure democratic principles are maintained.
“The Union will not be silenced, intimidated, or co-opted by this ageist agenda,” he declared.