Zanu
PF
is
facing
increasing
pressure
to
amend
the
constitution,
which
could
potentially
extend
or
remove
presidential
term
limits,
allowing
President
Mnangagwa
to
remain
in
power
beyond
2028
when
his
current
term
ends.
However,
Mathibela
argues
that
this
approach
is
not
in
the
best
interests
of
the
country
or
the
war
veterans,
advocating
instead
for
a
democratic
transition.
Mathibela’s
comments
come
amid
rising
dissatisfaction
within
Zanu
PF
and
among
the
broader
population
regarding
the
push
to
extend
Mnangagwa’s
tenure.
While
war
veterans
have
traditionally
been
a
strong
base
of
support
for
the
ruling
party,
there
appears
to
be
growing
division
on
this
issue,
with
Mathibela’s
faction
opposing
the
proposed
constitutional
changes.
Speaking
to
journalists
in
Bulawayo
on
Tuesday,
Mathibela
criticised
a
recent
elective
congress
in
Gweru
led
by
Christopher
Mutsvangwa’s
faction,
describing
it
as
an
attempt
to
secure
support
among
war
veterans
for
Mnangagwa’s
2030
agenda.
“To
me,
war
veterans
were
the
only
group
that
had
not
publicly
endorsed
the
2030
agenda,”
Mathibela
remarked.
“Those
pushing
this
agenda
organized
the
congress
to
find
someone
who
would
endorse
the
2030
mantra,
but
in
truth,
it
does
not
benefit
the
majority
of
war
veterans.”
Mathibela
condemned
efforts
to
amend
the
constitution
for
personal
gain,
insisting
that
such
decisions
should
follow
broad
consultations
with
Zimbabweans.
“We
gain
nothing
from
advocating
for
a
constitutional
amendment
for
2030.
Who
does
it
benefit?”
he
questioned.
“There
has
been
talk
among
the
public,
and
among
veterans,
that
there
must
be
wide
consultation
in
the
spirit
of
national
unity.”
He
said
there
is
a
need
for
a
well-defined
succession
plan
within
Zanu
PF,
allowing
for
a
democratic
process
in
choosing
the
next
party
and
national
leader.
“The
succession
plan
should
be
encouraged
because
it
allows
us
to
support
candidates
who
align
with
our
vision.
It
shouldn’t
be
the
exclusive
right
of
a
political
party,
as
this
country
belongs
to
all
of
us.”
Mathibela
stressed
that
any
future
leader
should
be
a
unifier,
free
from
tribal
biases,
and
committed
to
tackling
corruption.
“The
succession
plan
must
identify
candidates
who
embody
these
qualities
as
we
approach
2028,”
he
added.
He
also
highlighted
the
importance
of
allowing
war
veterans
and
the
general
public
to
openly
discuss
and
support
potential
leaders
within
Zanu
PF.
“We
have
had
public
debates
in
our
circles
about
the
need
for
a
succession
plan.
It’s
our
constitutional
right
to
say
who
we
think
should
be
next
in
line
and
to
campaign
openly,
grooming
future
leaders
in
the
process,”
Mathibela
said.
“Personally,
I
may
have
a
preferred
candidate,
but
that’s
my
right—I
don’t
want
to
impose
my
choice
on
others
who
might
feel
differently.”
Mathibela
suggested
that
seniority
should
be
a
key
factor
in
selecting
a
leader
within
Zanu
PF.
“We
can’t
have
leaders
imposed
on
us
without
knowing
their
backgrounds.
A
leader
should
naturally
emerge,
and
we
believe
in
respecting
seniority.
We
have
senior
figures,
and
they
should
be
supported.”
He
added,
“You
can’t
just
bring
in
someone
new
to
protect
your
interests.
Leadership
should
reflect
the
people’s
choice,
and
a
succession
plan
must
be
prioritized
because
Zanu
PF
belongs
to
the
people—who
better
to
decide
than
the
people
themselves?”
Mathibela
stated
that
a
proper
succession
plan
is
not
only
in
Zanu
PF’s
interest
but
also
in
the
national
interest,
ensuring
that
Zimbabwe
remains
on
a
path
of
unity
and
democratic
governance.
“That’s
all
we
are
praying
for
in
a
democratic
space,
succession
must
be
encouraged,”
he
said.