President Emmerson Mnangagwa, who was elected first secretary of the ruling party on Friday, retained the former liberation movement’s old guard by re-appointing his two deputies – Constantino Chiwenga and Kembo Mohadi and several others.
Mnangagwa also re-appointed Zanu PF chairperson Oppah Muchinguri Kashiri in what critics say is an indication that there won’t be any tangible reforms ahead of the forthcoming general elections.
He told delegates to the ruling party’s Congress, which ended Saturday, that a lot needs to be done for the people of Zimbabwe.
“Our quest is to create modern jobs, towards delivering true benefits to the people as we lift the least among us from poverty into prosperity. We are about delivering sustainable livelihoods and a prosperous future for the people of Zimbabwe.”
Independent political commentator, Bekezela Gumbo, said indications are that “nothing will change in the next five years as the old guard has been left untouched.
“We don’t expect any electoral reforms and perpetrators of violence will continue causing havoc. In fact, the future looks bleak for Zimbabweans.