Hours after Wicknell Chivayo wrote a long post on X pushing for Mnangagwa to extend his term in office to 2030, the President reaffirmed his commitment to retire after completing his second term in 2028.
During an interactive meeting with selected editors from both public and private media at State House on Monday, 17 February, Mnangagwa criticized individuals pushing agendas that contradict ZANU PF’s rules, saying they are not genuine party members. Said Mnangagwa:
I am a constitutionalist. When my two terms come to an end, the country and the party will move on by electing my successor.
That is as clear as day. I think those who really are ZANU PF at heart, go by the rules… of ZANU PF.
We have other people who are in ZANU PF who, in themselves, are not ZANU PF but they dress in ZANU PF regalia.
So you must always see when people talk, which camp they belong to when they open their mouths.
When one of the editors asked if he could be persuaded to serve beyond 2028, Mnangagwa responded, “I will persuade the persuaders not to persuade me, so that I remain a constitutionalist.”
Weighing in on the recent proposal in the USA to allow President Donald Trump to serve a third term Wicknell Chivayo argued that exceptional leadership should be allowed to extend beyond term limits if it serves the best interests of the people.
In a post on his social media, Chivayo drew a parallel to Zimbabwe, where he believes President Emmerson Mnangagwa has shown remarkable leadership.
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He called for the possibility of extending Mnangagwa’s presidency, arguing that such a move would align with the will of the people.
Chivayo said that, in a functioning democracy, the pursuit of progress should take precedence over rigid constitutional constraints.
He further stated that he doesn’t mind if critics claim he supports an extension of Mnangagwa’s presidency for personal gain, asserting that he is willing to speak out on the issue regardless of any perceived self-interest. Said Chivayo:
I personally believe that PROGRESS must take precedence over PROCEDURAL CONSTRAINTS created by a Constitution.
Most will say I’m singing for my supper and yes indeed, without a shadow of a doubt, I will also sing for breakfast and lunch too.
Chivayo stressed the importance of policy continuity, pointing to leadership changes in the U.S. that have caused inconsistencies, and argued for a similar approach in Zimbabwe to ensure stability and foster economic growth. He said:
In my view, a performing President like PRESIDENT E.D. must be allowed to COMPLETE his vision for the nation. The WILL OF THE PEOPLE should always be at the core of democracy.
As we have seen in the U.S.A, policy inconsistencies caused by frequent leadership changes DISRUPT national progress.
For example, most of former President Biden’s policies implemented since 2020 and the recent banning of TikTok and were all SWIFTLY undone by President Trump on his first day in office, despite there being a Supreme Court order banning TikTok in USA.
By contrast, Zimbabwe is a CONSTITUTIONAL DEMOCRACY and even the President abides with Court judgments.
We cannot however afford policy INCONSISTENCIES, such as what is being experienced in the USA, especially considering PRESIDENT MNANGAGWA’s strong foundation for ECONOMIC GROWTH and stability.
Extending his leadership will certainly ensure CONSISTENCY and CONTINUITY, which are critical for achieving Zimbabwe’s long-term goals and VISION 2030 !!!!
Chivayo argued that the constitution should evolve to reflect the will of the people, and although President Mnangagwa has pledged not to seek a third term, Chivayo believes his leadership deserves an extension for the benefit of the nation and the success of Vision 2030. He said:
The CONSTITUTION is a LIVING DOCUMENT, made BY THE PEOPLE and FOR THE PEOPLE. I believe that it must evolve to reflect the aspirations of the majority.
As a CONSTITUTIONALIST, President Mnangagwa is on record indicating that he will NOT run for a third term.
However, the PRESIDENT has earned the trust of the people, who recognize his EXCEPTIONAL leadership and the progress achieved under the SECOND REPUBLIC.
With the GRACE OF GOD an extension of time in office for this WONDERFUL LEADER will certainly benefit the nation and ensure the success of Vision 2030 and beyond.
Chivayo has faced criticism from his detractors, who often label him a “tenderpreneur” — a term used to describe individuals who secure government contracts through political connections rather than fair competition.
