The Zimbabwean political landscape is undergoing profound transformation, driven largely by the rise of social media.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa (pictured), whose Zanu PF party is pushing to extend his presidency from 2028 to 2030 by amending the national constitution, faces growing opposition, especially from the youth.
The push is despite President Mnangagwa repeatedly stating his intention to retire in 2028, paving the way for a successor. He has publicly committed to constitutional term limits, but some of his supporters appear to have other plans.
At the party’s national conference in Bulawayo last year, a resolution was passed to extend the President’s term from 2028 to 2030.
Platforms such as WhatsApp have emerged as powerful tools for citizens to mobilise, voice dissent and challenge the ruling Zanu PF party in ways previously unimaginable.
As the country grapples with mounting economic challenges and widespread discontent, Zanu PF’s proposal to amend the national constitution has sparked alarm.
While the 2030 agenda ostensibly aims to transform Zimbabwe into an upper-middle income economy, many citizens view the proposed extension of Mnangagwa’s term as a power consolidation effort rather than a sincere commitment to development
This move has been met with fierce resistance, particularly from younger voters who feel increasingly marginalised by the political establishment.
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In a country where mainstream media is heavily censored, WhatsApp has become an indispensable platform for political discourse.
Citizens are using it to share information, protest, and express their views without the restrictions imposed by traditional media.
Activists and ordinary Zimbabweans alike have used the platform to rally against the proposed term extension.
The hashtag #NoToConstitutionalChange has gained significant traction, uniting voices across the nation and serving as a rallying cry against what many see as an erosion of democratic principles.
The rapid dissemination of information on WhatsApp has catalysed grassroots activism. Articles, memes, and stories highlighting the potential dangers of extending Mnangagwa’s presidency circulate widely.
This surge of digital activism has applied substantial pressure on Zanu PF, challenging its ability to control the narrative and maintain its grip on power.
At the heart of this political awakening is Zimbabwe’s youth.
Tech-savvy and digitally connected, they view Mnangagwa’s plans as a direct threat to their future.
High unemployment rates, economic mismanagement, and a lack of opportunities have left many young Zimbabweans disillusioned with the ruling party’s governance.
Social media has given them platforms to articulate their frustrations and organise in ways that were previously unavailable, creating a formidable challenge to Zanu PF’s traditional power structures.
In response to growing dissent, Zanu PF has attempted to discredit opposing views and control the narrative around the constitutional amendments.
However, these tactics often backfire in the digital space. Attempts to silence critics or dismiss their concerns have been met with increased scrutiny and backlash online, further galvanising opposing views.
The government’s failure to engage constructively with citizens on social media has led to a perception that it is out of touch with the realities facing the people.
This disconnect is particularly damaging as Zimbabweans increasingly use social media to hold their leaders accountable.
Despite the challenges posed by social media, there remains an opportunity for Zanu PF to engage with the electorate more constructively.
By recognising the power of platforms like WhatsApp to facilitate dialogue, the party could potentially rebuild trust among citizens.
Engaging in transparent communication and addressing the concerns of the youth could help Zanu PF mitigate some of the backlash it faces.
Moreover, if Zanu PF was to demonstrate a genuine commitment to democratic principles and reform, it could leverage social media to communicate its vision for the future effectively.
This could align with the goals of the 2030 Agenda and foster a more inclusive political environment.
As Zimbabwe navigates the complexities of its political landscape, the role of social media, particularly WhatsApp has become increasingly significant.
Zanu PF push to extend Mnangagwa’s term from 2028 to 2030 faces mounting opposition, amplified by the voices of a politically engaged citizenry.
The power of social media to mobilise citizens, challenge authoritarianism and foster dialogue presents both challenges and opportunities for Zanu PF.
The coming years will be critical as Zimbabweans continue to utilise these platforms to demand accountability and shape their political future.
If Zanu PF fails to adapt to this new reality, it risks further alienation from its constituents and a potential shift in the political landscape that could undermine its longstanding authority.
Mutisi is the CEO of Hansole Investments (Pvt) Ltd. He is the current chairperson of Zimbabwe Information & Communication Technology, a division of Zimbabwe Institution of Engineers. — +263772 278 161 or chair@zict.org.zw.
