Dr. Musindo Leads The Chinhoyi Declaration: Religious Leaders and Ruling Party Officials Signal Push for 7-Year Presidential Terms

Standing unapologetic in his stance, the DANet leader argued that President Mnangagwa’s developmental agenda—ranging from infrastructure overhauls to the issuance of title deeds—requires a leadership mandate that transcends current constitutional limits. Musindo went as far as to invoke the legacy of the late Robert Mugabe, suggesting that even the former president would marvel at the current pace of national development. With ruling party officials looking on, Musindo further asserted that frequent elections have become a hurdle to Zimbabwe’s stability, effectively calling for a shift in focus from the ballot box to the completion of the “New Dispensation’s” economic mandate.

​By leveraging his influence within the Destiny of Afrika Network (DANet), Musindo is effectively bridging the gap between spiritual leadership and political policy. Here is an expanded look at the implications of this event: ​Musindo’s use of the song“Mnangagwa Ishasha”(meaning “Mnangagwa is the Champion/Expert”) serves a dual purpose. It frames the President not just as a political leader, but as a uniquely qualified “architect” of Zimbabwe’s future.

​The “Resurrection” Narrative:By invoking the late Robert Mugabe’s hypothetical approval, Musindo seeks to heal the factional rift that has existed since the 2017 transition. It’s a powerful rhetorical tool aimed at traditional ZANU-PF supporters who remain loyal to Mugabe’s memory, suggesting a continuity of “The Struggle” through Mnangagwa. ​A key takeaway from Musindo’s speech is the claim thatelections halt progress.This argument suggests a shift toward “developmental authoritarianism,” where: ​Continuity over Contestation:The focus shifts from five-year democratic cycles to long-term infrastructure projects.

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​The Mandate of Completion:By highlighting title deeds and road construction, Musindo frames the 2030 extension as a practical necessity rather than a political power grab. He argues that changing leadership mid-stream would jeopardize current economic gains. ​As a leader who deals heavily in housing and land through DANet, Musindo’s endorsement carries weight with theurban and peri-urban poor.

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