Tinotenda Hove- Controversial ZANU PF official Killer Zivhu has thrown his weight behind Vice President Constantino Chiwenga as Zimbabwe’s next president, arguing that anyone seeking to succeed President Emmerson Mnangagwa must demonstrate a strong record within the ruling party rather than rely on financial muscle.

In a statement on Tuesday, Zivhu openly declared that Chiwenga should take over the country’s leadership when Mnangagwa’s term expires, in a comment that comes amid intensifying debate over succession within ZANU PF.

“General Chiwenga should be our next president after President Mnangagwa’s term expires,” Zivhu said.

He also took a swipe at other potential presidential aspirants, suggesting that wealth and personal ambition alone should not qualify anyone to lead the ruling party or the country.

“Anyone else who hopes to succeed him should have a strong record in ZANU-PF—not merely money and foolishness,” he added.

Zivhu’s remarks come as succession politics continue to dominate discussions within ZANU PF, with competing interests and ambitions shaping the debate over who should take over from Mnangagwa.

Chiwenga, a former army commander who played a central role in the 2017 military intervention that ended Robert Mugabe’s rule, remains a key figure in Zimbabwe’s political establishment.

Zivhu’s endorsement places renewed attention on Chiwenga’s presidential ambitions at a time when the ruling party is grappling with internal power dynamics and questions surrounding the country’s political future.

His criticism of wealthy aspirants also points to tensions over the growing influence of money in ZANU PF politics, where access to resources and political connections can play a significant role in internal contests for power.

Although Zivhu has publicly backed Chiwenga, his statement does not establish that the vice president has been formally selected as Mnangagwa’s successor.

The question of who will ultimately lead ZANU PF and Zimbabwe remains a matter of political contestation.