Tribal tensions resurface over term extension
by FHATU MULAUDZI
BEITBRIDGE – PRESIDENT Emmerson Mnangagwa’s reported bid to extend his term of office to 2030 has reignited political debate and, regrettably, revived long-standing tribal tensions between some Ndebele and Shona citizens.
The controversy follows ZANU-PF’s internal processes regarding succession and leadership continuity, amid claims by critics that extending the President’s tenure beyond 2028 would be unconstitutional.
The issue has sparked heated reactions, including from Matebeleland Liberation Organisation (MLO) leader Paul Siwela.
“Matebeles (Ndebele speaking people) saw this coming in as much as we were shocked but not surprised to see Shonas campaigning for Constatine Chiwenga (deputy president) to be the next President but expecting a different outcome from what Emmerson Mnangagwa is doing or what Robert Mugabe did. The solution is: Remove ZANU-PF,” Siwela said.
He added: “Zimbabwe has reached its moment of reckoning. The restoration of the Republic of Matabeleland is a historic necessity — peaceful, lawful, and unstoppable.”
Siwela’s remarks were widely criticised, with some accusing him of fuelling tribal division.
Advocate Madzima responded: “The Matebele folks saw and did what? Nothing…. they (are) in the same boat with the Shona’s they loathe. Their prophetic foretelling is useless if it cannot change their lived reality.”
Baron McDonald Mukundi remarked: “Shabangu (Sengezo Tshabangu) who destroyed the opposition is not Shona (but Ndebele). Ndebeles have the history of selling out which began with their forefather Lobengula who gave the British ‘the exclusive rights’ to mine all minerals (in Zimbabwe)……..and to do whatever they deem was necessary to procure the same.”
Another commenter, Mbishi, stated: “It will be difficult to remove Zanupf with people like you (Paul Siwela). Blame everyone else, then run and hide in South Africa. Shit mentality.”
A contributor identified as couRage added: “Ndebele people like to blame Shona people for everything. Since you have the numbers and the strength why don’t you remove ZANU-PF and rule? We now officially handover the struggle to Matabeleland.”
These exchanges highlight how unresolved historical grievances continue to shape national discourse.
Many Ndebele people trace their bitterness to the Gukurahundi massacres of the 1980s, when the North Korean-trained Fifth Brigade conducted operations in Matabeleland and parts of the Midlands provinces.
Thousands of civilians were killed during what government described as a campaign against dissidents.
Survivors cite mass killings, torture and widespread human rights abuses.
Beyond the violence, many in Matabeleland argue that their region has faced decades of economic marginalisation, underdevelopment, limited infrastructure investment and fewer employment opportunities compared to other provinces.
Conversely, some Shona citizens argue that the conflict began with dissident attacks in which buses and motorists — including civilians from Mashonaland, Manicaland and Masvingo provinces — were reportedly ambushed, killed, maimed or burned.
From this perspective, the state’s actions were framed as a response to instability and armed insurgency, though critics maintain the retaliation was disproportionate and targeted civilians.
In 1987, the Zimbabwe African National Union (ZANU) and Zimbabwe African People’s Union (ZAPU) signed the Unity Accord to end hostilities, merge the two liberation movements and foster national reconciliation.
The agreement sought to stabilise the country politically and prevent further bloodshed, laying the foundation for a unified Zimbabwe under one ruling party.
Nearly four decades later, the lesson remains clear: lasting peace, justice and inclusive development are essential for national unity.
Tribal division weakens Zimbabwe socially and economically, while mutual respect and dialogue strengthen it.
Ndebele and Shona communities share a common history, intermarriages, workplaces, churches and aspirations.
Zimbabwe’s future depends not on rekindling past wounds, but on building a nation rooted in peace, harmony and equal opportunity for all.
