Succession to the highest political office in any system or entity can be a moment of calamity, especially in systems where the succession framework is opaque and susceptible to manipulation. As ZANU-PF approaches its 21st National People’s Conference, scheduled for October 22-27 in Bulawayo, it is crucial to analyze its succession politics and implications. This conference is set against the backdrop of a brewing succession battle linked to President Mnangagwa’s potential third-term bid, supported by a faction within the party.
This week’s Zim-agora delves into the succession question, widely regarded as one of the most critical topics in Zimbabwean politics, as ZANU-PF prepares for its National People’s Conference. Rather than focusing on the constitutional provisions addressing succession within ZANU-PF, this paper will examine the political dynamics that overcast these provisions. By analyzing the political undercurrents surrounding succession in ZANU-PF, this paper will also compare how other nationalist parties in the SADC region have tackled this contentious issue. A cursory look at leadership renewal in SADC liberation movements will underscore the significance of succession in ZANU-PF, highlighting the historical parallels among these political parties. By examining these dynamics, we can better understand the significance of succession in ZANU-PF and the broader implications for political stability in Zimbabwe.