HARARE – Prominent constitutional and human rights lawyer Advocate Thabani Mpofu has declared President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s recent changes to the Zanu-PF politburo invalid, arguing they do not comply with the party’s constitution. But self-exiled former cabinet minister Jonathan Moyo has taken a different view, saying critics are conflating internal party resolutions with constitutional provisions on presidential term limits. Mnangagwa recently removed secretary-general Obert Mpofu, a key ally of Vice-President Constantino Chiwenga, and replaced him with Speaker of Parliament Jacob Mudenda.
Several other reshuffles were also announced, coming days after a tense politburo meeting in which Chiwenga openly challenged the president on succession and corruption. Writing on X (formerly Twitter), Advocate Mpofu said the announcements made by Zanu PF spokesperson Chris Mutsvangwa had “no legal effect.” He argued that the cited constitutional provisions did not grant the president or the party spokesperson power to reassign politburo office-holders outside of a congress. “The letter from Chris Mutsvangwa purporting to announce changes to the Zanu-PF Politburo is invalid.
It claims the decision to relieve Obert Mpofu of his office as Zanu-PF Secretary-General was taken under Article 9, sections 65 and 67,” Mpofu stated. “Article 9 concerns Politburo functions generally and does not confer authority for the First Secretary to reassign office-holders. “Section 65 addresses the functions of the Secretary for Economic Development and Empowerment; section 67 addresses the functions of the Secretary for Healthcare of the Child and the Elderly. Shadow shares and the theft of trust — If Chiwenga is right,…Sep 29, 202528,916 Shadow shares and the theft of trust — If Chiwenga is right,… Mliswa claims Chiwenga’s anti-graft push is personal…Sep 29, 202565,917
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