Five political parties unite to oppose Zanu PF ‘2030 Agenda’ 

Five political groups in Matabeleland have formed a united front against Zanu PF’s controversial “2030 Agenda,” warning that proposed constitutional amendments to extend President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s presidency amount to an assault on constitutionalism, democracy and regional justice.

The five parties, which issued a joint statement on Wednesday, the Progressive Alliance of Mthwakazi Unions (PAMU), Assembly of Minorities (AM), Mthwakazi United Party (MUP), Freedom Alliance and the Mayibuye Peoples Party (MPP) denounced efforts by Zanu PF to extend Mnangagwa’s term beyond 2028, describing the move as illegal, politically motivated and symptomatic of Zimbabwe’s deepening governance crisis.

This move comes amid growing national debate over Zanu PF’s push to alter Zimbabwe’s Constitution to allow Mnangagwa to remain in office until 2030.

Last year, the ruling party resolved at its 22nd Annual National People’s Conference in Mutare to begin legal steps towards extending the president’s tenure, instructing the government to draft constitutional and legislative amendments to effect the change.

Although Zanu PF has framed the proposal as necessary to safeguard “stability” and align leadership with the national Vision 2030 development agenda, critics say it is a thinly veiled attempt to entrench executive power and undermine term limits enshrined in the Constitution.

The Matabeleland-based alliance argues that the 2030 agenda reflects a broader pattern in which constitutional provisions are selectively amended to serve elite political interests.

PAMU president, Cosmas Ncube, said the proposed amendment is both illegal and unconstitutional, as Zimbabwe’s Constitution explicitly bars an incumbent president from benefiting from changes to term limits.

“This proposal serves the narrow self-interests of a political faction rather than the democratic will of the people,” Ncube said, adding that extending Mnangagwa’s term would not resolve Zimbabwe’s political, economic or social crises.

Ncube called on citizens to engage in peaceful but active civic participation to defend constitutionalism, warning democratic erosion has become normalised in Zimbabwe.

The Assembly of Minorities took an even stronger stance, describing the manoeuvre as a “constitutional coup.”

AM leader, Chilumbo Mudenda, cited Sections 91, 95 and 328 of Zimbabwe’s Constitution, which outline presidential term limits and the non-retrospective application of constitutional amendments.

“Zanu PF’s attempt to circumvent these provisions is unlawful,” Mudenda said.

“Citizens do not need to wait for the courts to intervene. The Constitution already provides mechanisms for peaceful protest and assembly under Sections 58 and 59.”

Mudenda accused senior state officials including Acting Attorney General Virginia Mabiza, Speaker of Parliament Jacob Mudenda and Justice Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi of driving unconstitutional changes, declaring their actions amounted to a “declaration of war on the people.”

These political groupings also indicated that their opposition to the 2030 agenda is also rooted in longstanding grievances over political exclusion, underdevelopment and historical injustices in Matabeleland.

Mthwakazi United Party president Bernard Dube, said the 2030 agenda fails to address deep-rooted structural problems, particularly in marginalised regions.

“Without genuine democratic and electoral reforms, devolution of power, economic justice and accountability, these slogans remain symbolic rather than transformative,” Dube said.

The Freedom Alliance framed the debate in explicitly liberationist terms, arguing the agenda represents a continuation of domination rather than development.

“The so-called 2030 Agenda is not a national vision but a counter-liberation project designed to entrench permanent rule over Zimbabwean nations,” said Freedom Alliance leader, Presia Ngulube.

Ngulube highlighted Matebeleland’s history of political repression, economic exploitation and silencing, declaring the region’s struggle had entered a “new phase of national liberation.”

“Unity imposed by fear or hunger is not unity,” she said.

The Mayibuye Peoples Party echoed concerns that the 2030 agenda prioritises power consolidation over citizens’ welfare.

MPP president, Zanele Mguni said the proposal ignores widespread poverty, corruption and regional inequality.

“This agenda is superficial and politically driven. It does not speak to the lived realities of ordinary Zimbabweans,” she said.

Mguni said any credible national vision must restore respect for the Constitution, strengthen accountability mechanisms, provide equitable development and empower citizens to meaningfully participate in governance.

The joint statement underscores growing unease not only with the prospect of term extension but also with what critics see as the hollowing out of democratic institutions.

Zimbabwe has previously amended the Constitution to extend the tenure of Chief Justice Luke Malaba, a move widely criticised as setting a dangerous precedent.

Observers argued that same logic is now being applied to the presidency, to serve the whims of those in power.

Meanwhile, while the five movements differ ideologically and organisationally, analysts say their unity reflects mounting frustration in Matabeleland with centralised power and perceived political disregard.

“Whether the alliance will translate into coordinated political action remains to be seen, considering the challenges that are always seen in the opposition, where individual egos affect progress,” said analyst Mxolisi Ncube, when interviewed by CITE.

However, in its joint statement, the five Matabeleland groups say their unity is rooted in a shared commitment to defending constitutionalism and democratic governance.

“We reaffirm our unity in defending the Constitution, democratic governance and the genuine interests of all Zimbabweans,” the statement reads.