By Kudzai Makuku
The atmosphere was electric. As President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa delivered his highly anticipated conference address, his message echoed with clarity and purpose: unity, peace, and an unrelenting stand against corruption.
In a speech that struck both political and emotional chords, the President reaffirmed his full backing of Vice President Constantino Chiwenga’s anti-corruption crusade — a cornerstone of the 2023 election campaign and now a defining feature of the Second Republic’s moral and political identity.
Fighting corruption demands more than policy — it requires courage, conviction, and an unshakable sense of duty. By entrusting this formidable task to Vice President Chiwenga, a decorated soldier known for discipline and resolve, President Mnangagwa demonstrated not only political foresight but also strategic wisdom. As the saying goes: send the right person for the right job.
When Vice President Chiwenga stepped up to the podium, the energy shifted. A hush fell across the hall. Calm yet commanding, his presence evoked quiet strength — the kind forged in the crucible of hardship and battle. His tone was measured, but his message was unmistakable: the fight against corruption is non-negotiable.
In a powerful address, Chiwenga drew on Zimbabwe’s liberation legacy, invoking the memory of those who fought not for personal gain, but for national dignity and generational prosperity. He condemned the misuse of national resources and pledged to hold wrongdoers accountable, regardless of status or affiliation. His commitment was firm, and his determination unwavering.
As the crowd absorbed his words, anticipation built. And then, the moment came. With the unmistakable presence of a seasoned statesman, President Mnangagwa rose to address the nation. The hall erupted — chants, song, and celebration reverberated through the auditorium.
Opening with his signature slogan — a resounding declaration that has come to define his leadership — the President seized the moment with the force of a lion asserting its dominion.
Seamlessly picking up where the Vice President left off, Mnangagwa emphasized unity, shared responsibility, and a collective national vision. His full endorsement of the anti-corruption drive signalled not just alignment in policy, but a shared moral compass within the leadership.
It was a symbolic and powerful display of solidarity: the President and his deputy, shoulder to shoulder, united in their resolve to build a Zimbabwe defined by integrity, accountability, and reform.
Throughout his speech, the President maintained a firm tone. He left no room for ambiguity: corruption, under his watch, will find no sanctuary.
As he neared the close of his address, President Mnangagwa turned to the future. He called on the party to begin laying the groundwork for the 2028 elections — even as conversations continue around a proposal to extend his tenure until 2030.
It was a calculated move, characteristic of Mnangagwa’s political mastery — a tactician who keeps both allies and opponents anticipating his next step.
Should the party persuade him to remain at the helm, it would mark the continuation of a legacy rooted in reform and national renewal. Should he step aside, it would reflect a leadership style anchored in foresight and strategic preparation, ensuring the party remains unified and election-ready.
In either scenario, one message was unmistakable: the lion has roared — and the nation is listening.
