President Cyril Ramaphosa’s unofficial visit to Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s private residence on Sunday has drawn sharp criticism from the Democratic Alliance, which says the meeting signals South African support for ZANU-PF as the ruling party moves to entrench its grip on power through a controversial constitutional amendment.
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ZANU-PF push for extended presidential terms
DA International Relations spokesperson Ryan Smith said Constitution Amendment Bill No. 3 proposes far-reaching changes that could pave the way for extended or potentially limitless presidential terms in Zimbabwe. The party said the visit took place while opposition leader Tendai Biti remains targeted by Harare authorities after his March arrest.
Concerns over Zimbabwean businessmen present
The DA also flagged the presence of Zimbabwean businessmen Wicknell Chivhayo and Kudakwashe Tagwirei, who it linked to allegations of state capture across the region. The Presidency described the visit as a neighbourly catch-up between two heads of state.
Sources
- Democratic Alliance media statement, Ryan Smith MP, 4 May 2026
- Public reporting on Zimbabwe Constitution Amendment Bill No. 3 and the detention of Tendai Biti, March 2026
