Zimbabwe welcomes back two known individuals as Vice Presidents – including one who departed amidst controversy
Zimbabwe’s vice-presidency sees the return of Kembo Mohadi to join Constantino Chiwenga, both of whom have previously served in this role. However, Mohadi left under controversial circumstances. Additionally, the opposition party CCC refused to participate in the election of Jacob Mudenga as the Speaker of Parliament.
- Kembo Mohadi returns to join Constantino Chiwenga as Zimbabwe’s vice-presidents.
- Both served in the role before – until Mohadi left under a cloud.
- The opposition CCC refused to take part in the election of Jacob Mudenga as the Speaker of Parliament.
Zimbabwe’s President, Emmerson Mnangagwa, has chosen to retain two vice-presidents from his previous term, as well as the Speaker of Parliament, in what is expected to be a Cabinet filled with familiar faces.
The returning vice-presidents are Constantino Chiwenga, a retired army general who led the ousting of Robert Mugabe, and Kembo Mohadi. While Chiwenga continued in his role throughout the first term, Mohadi resigned in 2021 due to a scandal involving his relationships with multiple women.
In his resignation letter, Mohadi explained that he wanted to take time to rest but assured that it was not out of cowardice, rather a demonstration of respect for the office of the president. He also expressed his determination to clear his name in the future.
During his time outside of the government, Mohadi was given a position in Zanu-PF and became the party’s Second Secretary, enjoying the same benefits as a vice-president. Mnangagwa holds the position of First Secretary.
Mohadi represents the interests of PF Zapu in the presidium, which joined forces with Zanu to form Zanu-PF in 1987 through the Unity Accord. The three members in the presidium are the most senior Zanu-PF members from the War of Independence era.
Chiwenga, seen by many as a potential successor to Mnangagwa, expressed his commitment to the president’s vision after being sworn in, stating, “We are starting with great enthusiasm, energy, and determination to build the Zimbabwe we desire. We are actively working towards our president’s vision of establishing an upper middle-income society by 2030.”
Jacob Mudenda was re-elected unopposed for a second term as the Speaker of Parliament, with Tsitsi Gezi serving as his deputy. It is worth noting that the opposition party, Citizens Coalition For Change (CCC), did not participate in the election of the Speaker and deputy, hinting at a highly polarized Parliament.
In a statement on Twitter, Parliament reported, “Zanu-PF members have turned up in significant numbers for today’s elections of presiding officers. However, the Opposition CCC has abstained from today’s election.”
In the 10th Parliament, Zanu-PF aims to pass pending legislation, such as the Private Voluntary Organisations Amendment Bill, which concerns civil society organizations. Critics argue that the bill will grant the Presidency excessive and arbitrary powers through the Registrar’s Office, potentially suppressing NGOs engaged in democratic and human rights work.
