President Emmerson Mnangagwa confirmed that Zimbabwe’s 2028 harmonized elections would proceed as scheduled, rejecting calls from some Zanu-PF members to postpone polls to 2030. Speaking at a Central Committee meeting in Harare, he urged the party to focus on preparing electoral strategies to secure victory. Analysts said his statement both reinforced constitutional limits and served as a signal to manage internal party divisions over term extensions.

The US House of Representatives introduced a bill to repeal the Zimbabwe Democracy and Economic Recovery Act (ZDERA). ZDERA imposed sanctions limiting Zimbabwe’s access to IMF and World Bank loans for 25 years. The repeal would reopen financial engagement with Zimbabwe and require compensation to white former commercial farmers under the Global Compensation Deed. The bill is under review by the House Foreign Affairs Committee.

President Emmerson Mnangagwa and Deputy General Constantino Chiwenga publicly clashed over party succession. Rumors circulated regarding illnesses, purges, and deaths among senior security officials. Social media amplified claims that financier Kudakwashe Tagwirei plotted against former Chief of the Defence Forces Anselem Sanyatwe. Officials stated that Sanyatwe traveled abroad for medical treatment. Analysts noted factional tension and uncertainty over leadership succession within Zanu-PF.

Zimbabwe launched its campaign for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council for 2027–2028. President Emmerson Mnangagwa emphasized the country’s commitment to global peace, counter-terrorism, and African interests. Ambassador Taonga Mushayavanhu said Zimbabwe has engaged more than 70 countries to support its bid. The campaign has endorsements from the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the African Union. Zimbabwe previously held UNSC seats in 1983–1984 and 1991–1992.

Businessman Wicknell Chivayo donated luxury vehicles, ambulances, and US$100,000 in cash to Zanu-PF provincial chairpersons ahead of the party’s annual conference. The donations, totaling US$3 million, coincided with President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s 83rd birthday and aimed to support provincial development projects. Analysts note the gifts could influence support for extending Mnangagwa’s term under the “ED2030” agenda. Critics describe the gifts as political inducements that fuel divisions within the ruling party.

Former opposition leader Nelson Chamisa will launch a new political movement in Gutu on Sept. 27, marking his return to frontline politics. The launch will coincide with the handover of a church he built for the Zion Apostolic Church in Chiwara. Analysts say Chamisa’s grassroots support could reshape Zimbabwe’s opposition ahead of the 2028 harmonized elections. Preparations for the event are underway.

Government and youth groups increased efforts against drug and substance abuse. Minister Charles Tawengwa urged community leaders in Harare to act, praising First Lady Auxillia Mnangagwa’s campaign. In Kadoma, Youth in Politics held sports and awareness activities with primary and secondary students. Ward Councillor Timothy Chizuzu and Minister Marian Chombo called on police to target traffickers and urged businesses to support rehabilitation, citing social and economic impacts.

Zanu-PF in Matabeleland North resolved to lobby the government to declare July 1 a public holiday for the late Vice President and liberation leader Dr Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo, who died in 1999. The Provincial Coordinating Committee adopted the proposal in Lupane. Leaders highlighted Nkomo’s role as “Father Zimbabwe”. He is already honored through Bulawayo’s airport, a city statue, and streets bearing his name.

President Emmerson Mnangagwa appointed four ambassadors to key foreign posts under Zimbabwe’s engagement and re-engagement policy. Patrick Mutasa will serve in Cuba, Lovemore Mazemo in South Africa, Isaac Moyo in the United Arab Emirates, and David Hamadziripi in the United States. The move aims to strengthen bilateral ties and boost international cooperation.