Vice President Constantino Chiwenga was absent from President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s State of the Nation Address on Tuesday due to a medical appointment in South Africa, the presidency confirmed. Presidential spokesman George Charamba stated that Chiwenga, 69, had a scheduled medical review and has since returned to Zimbabwe.
His absence during the opening of the third session of the tenth parliament drew attention, as Second Vice President Kembo Mohadi attended the event. Chiwenga’s last known public appearance was on October 25 at the 75th anniversary of St Luke’s Mission and Hospital in Lupane, following a tour of development projects in Matabeleland South.
Speculation about internal tensions within Zanu PF has grown amid reports that Mnangagwa allies are working to sideline Chiwenga from both the party and government. Sources say Chiwenga opposes efforts to extend Mnangagwa’s presidency beyond 2028, when his second term ends under the 2013 constitution, placing him at odds with influential figures who support such a move.
His absence during the opening of the third session of the tenth parliament drew attention, as Second Vice President Kembo Mohadi attended the event. Chiwenga’s last known public appearance was on October 25 at the 75th anniversary of St Luke’s Mission and Hospital in Lupane, following a tour of development projects in Matabeleland South.
Speculation about internal tensions within Zanu PF has grown amid reports that Mnangagwa allies are working to sideline Chiwenga from both the party and government. Sources say Chiwenga opposes efforts to extend Mnangagwa’s presidency beyond 2028, when his second term ends under the 2013 constitution, placing him at odds with influential figures who support such a move.
