Madhuku: ZANU-PF Leaders Pushing ED2030 Agenda Are Motivated By Personal Gain

Constitutional law expert and long-time advocate for democratic reform, Professor Lovemore Madhuku, says ZANU-PF leaders pushing to extend President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s stay in power by two years are motivated by self-interest, as they are the ones who stand to benefit from him remaining in office.

The 22nd ZANU PF National People’s Conference, held in Mutare from 25 to 29 October 2025, resolved to extend Mnangagwa’s term from 2028 to 2030 and instructed the Ministry of Justice to initiate constitutional amendments to enable the change.

Zimbabwe’s 2013 Constitution limits the president to two five-year terms.

While senior ZANU PF figures such as Daniel Garwe argue that the extension is necessary for continuity, stability and the achievement of development goals, Madhuku told the BBC that those backing the move are driven by personal gain rather than national interest. He said:

“The group of people who are pushing it, they are those persons that stand to benefit from the president remaining in office. They are not people who are saying that the country will benefit from the president remaining in office.

“Everyone knows that the country will benefit from a limit of terms to the president. Whoever is our president must serve a maximum of two terms. That is what will benefit this country.

“Any attempt to change that cannot be said to be done in the spirit of wanting to benefit the country. The political party itself is divided. It’s not a position that is unanimous within their political party.

“So you always get, because they don’t vote at their gatherings. They just make noise. And the loudest noise is the one that is then called a resolution.”

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Madhuku Says Mnangagwa Term Extension Push Is “Crime Against Humanity” Concourt Reserves Judgment On Constitutional Amendment Challenge