Staff Reporter
Harare – President Emmerson Mnangagwa has reshuffled the ZANU PF Politburo, a move political observers say is aimed at consolidating his grip on the ruling party ahead of next month’s 22nd People’s Conference in Mutare.
According to a statement issued by party spokesperson Christopher Mutsvangwa, the reorganisation was carried out in line with Article 9 of the party’s constitution.
Among the key shifts, Advocate Jacob Mudenda, formerly the Treasurer General, has been appointed Secretary General of the Party a powerful post that oversees its administrative machinery. He replaces Obert Mpofu, who has been reassigned to head the Information Communication Technology (ICT) portfolio.
Former Finance Minister Patrick Chinamasa moves from Secretary for Legal Affairs to Treasurer General, while Justice Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi takes over as Secretary for Legal Affairs.
Mutsvangwa said the reshuffle was meant to reinforce ZANU PF’s “enduring commitment to the policies, tenets and ethos of the Permanent Zimbabwe Revolution in service to the people.”
However, analysts say the timing reflects strategic manoeuvring by Mnangagwa as the party prepares for its annual conference in Manicaland province, where issues of policy direction and internal cohesion are expected to dominate.
Political analyst Patrick Dlodlo said the reshuffle was less about routine party administration and more about power consolidation.
“Reshuffles at this moment are a consolidation of power. This is a signatory that rumours of squabbles that have been happening at the Shake Shake building are true,” he said, referring to ZANU PF’s headquarters in Harare.
The conference will gather delegates from across the country, giving Mnangagwa an opportunity to cement loyalty among senior party members and set the tone for ZANU PF’s political agenda ahead of the 2026 elections.
