Outspoken war veteran, Blessed Geza, has vehemently opposed the potential extension of President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s tenure beyond the constitutionally mandated two terms, slated to end in 2028.
Geza’s comments come amid a string of controversies surrounding two of Mnangagwa’s cabinet Ministers.
In a statement, Geza took aim at ICT Minister, Tatenda Mavetera.
“Imagine, how you keep a minister in office after she openly insults your Vice President? Tatenda Mavetera had the audacity to call General Chiwenga a decorated war hero, mupanduki (rebel). We are in shock that this can happen,” Geza said.
The remarks were a direct reference to Mavetera’s actions during the burial of national hero Justin Mupamhanga.
She is accused of leading a song perceived to denigrate acting President Constantino Chiwenga at the national shrine.
Geza did not hold back in his criticism of the other government official, Daniel Garwe, the Minister of Local Government.
“We have Daniel Garwe, a former soldier in the Rhodesian army who shot at us as we fought to liberate ourselves from colonial rule, but now a Minister and once again fighting from the wrong side of history,” Geza said.
Garwe has been one of the Zanu PF officials who are campaigning for a term extension.
Geza, who has of late been an outspoken critic of the term limit extension, made it clear that he and other war veterans, as well as the general populace, hold the power to change the political landscape.
“Let me make it clear, we as war veterans and the general public of Zimbabwe – our povo – we have the right to remove Mnangagwa from office because it is us who took him to State House,” Geza said.
The war veterans accuse President Emmerson Mnangagwa of trying to violate the constitution through plans to extend the presidential term limit.
Of late the presidential term extension has gained traction with various Zanu PF affiliate groups endorsing it.
President Mnangagwa’s tenure comes to an end in 2028 and the debate over his political future is expected to intensify.
The president has in the past said he will respect the constitution.
