By Political Reporter-Power struggles within the government have reached a boiling point, with President Emmerson Mnangagwa publicly expressing frustration over the conduct of some ministers and deputy ministers under his administration.
The growing tensions hint at deeper cracks in his relationship with Vice President Constantino Chiwenga, fueling speculation of a potential coup orchestrated by loyalists aligned with Chiwenga.
During the last 2024 cabinet meeting held at State House, Mnangagwa lambasted absenteeism among senior government officials, describing the behaviour as “untenable” and a dereliction of duty.
“Let me, however, hasten to emphasise that Cabinet processes are anchored on the timely submission of vital documents and regular attendance by Ministers and officials,” Mnangagwa stated. “The worrisome tendency by Ministers and senior officials to absent themselves from meetings is untenable. Permanent Secretaries should ensure that in their absence, only directors and above should attend working party meetings.”
The president’s remarks come amidst increasing reports of cabinet ministers allegedly loyal to Chiwenga snubbing key meetings, undermining Mnangagwa’s authority.
Speculation suggests that these absences are part of a coordinated effort to challenge Mnangagwa’s leadership ahead of Zanu PF’s next elective congress.
Mnangagwa directed Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet, Martin Rushwaya, to tighten monitoring of ministerial attendance starting in 2025.
He warned that ministers and senior officials who fail to comply risk “dire consequences.”
The president also criticised deputy ministers, accusing them of being poorly prepared and undermining his authority by failing to participate effectively in government operations.
“In cases where Deputy Ministers are assigned, they should be adequately capacitated to enable active participation in the requisite deliberations. To this end, I direct that Deputy Ministers must now sign performance contracts in 2025,” Mnangagwa announced.
These measures follow Mnangagwa’s earlier introduction of performance contracts for senior government officials as part of his Vision 2030 agenda to foster a culture of accountability and servant leadership.
Mnangagwa and Chiwenga have shared a tumultuous political relationship since the military-assisted transition that brought Mnangagwa to power in 2017.
Chiwenga, who played a pivotal role in that transition, has grown increasingly influential, with his allies occupying key government and security positions.
Observers note that Chiwenga’s loyalists have become emboldened, with their defiance of Mnangagwa’s directives interpreted as challenging his grip on power.
The president’s remarks about errant ministers could be seen as a veiled warning to Chiwenga and his faction.
