Marshall Bwanya
Harare—President Emmerson Mnangagwa has abruptly sacked Apollonia Munzverengwi, a relative of his deputy Constantino Chiwenga, from her post as Mashonaland East Provincial Affairs and Devolution minister.
The sacking comes just after Daniel Garwe, a Mnangagwa loyalist who is also the minister of Local Government and provincial chairman for Mashonaland East, announced at a Zanu PF meeting that party members were holding clandestine meetings at farms in the province to plot against the president’s 2030 agenda.
The campaign is meant to keep him in office beyond his second and final term in 2028.
The dismissal, announced by the chief secretary to the president and cabinet, Martin Rushwaya on Tuesday, offered no official explanation but has ignited speculation about intensifying factional battles within the ruling Zanu PF party.
Munzverengwi, appointed to the role in 2018, was immediately replaced by Hwedza North legislator Itayi Ndudzo.
In a terse statement, Rushwaya cited Section 108(1a) of Zimbabwe’s constitution but provided no rationale for the decision.
“His Excellency the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, Cde E.D Mnangagwa has, in terms of Section 108 (1a) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe, removed Hon. Apollonia Munzverengwi from the office of Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Mashonaland east with immediate effect,” Rushwaya said.
The move comes amid mounting tensions between factions separately linked to Mnangagwa and Chiwenga, the former military commander turned deputy president.
Political analysts link the dismissal to a broader power struggle over Mnangagwa’s alleged bid to extend his presidenc beyond the constitutionally mandated two-term limit, which expires in 2028.
Chiwenga’s supporters have openly opposed such efforts, advocating instead for the vice president’s ascension to the top office.
Critics of Mnangagwa argue that Munzverengwi’s dismissal was far from a routine cabinet reshuffle.
They suggest that her familial ties to Chiwenga, combined with the timing of her removal, point to a strategic move by the incumbent to consolidate power in anticipation of a contentious succession battle.
Mnangagwa’s camp has reportedly mobilised grassroots campaigns to endorse a constitutional amendment extending presidential term limits, a move critics denounce as undemocratic.
Chiwenga loyalists who are getting increasingly vocal insist that their godfather must take over from Mnangagwa after having led the coup that removed Robert Mugabe in November 2017.
Munzverengwi’s removal follows a growing trend whereby Mnangagwa and his camp are purging individuals perceived to be pro-Chiwenga in the party, government and the security sector.