Zimbabwe’s political debate is once again being shaped by echoes of its past, and this time, the warning is unusually direct.
By Advent Shoko
Media executive and former Presidential Advisory Council member Trevor Ncube has drawn a striking parallel between current political developments and the final years of Robert Mugabe, suggesting the country may be replaying a familiar and risky script.
Reflecting on the period before the 2017 Zimbabwe military-assisted transition which some call “soft coup“, Ncube wrote:
“Towards the end of Robert Mugabe’s rule, Zimbabweans witnessed widespread celebration from the so-called G40 faction, which was confident it had the succession fight in the bag.”
He added that the group, led by Grace Mugabe and figures such as Saviour Kasukuwere and Jonathan Moyo, “insulted all and sundry, including the military leadership.”
Fast forward to today, and Ncube sees what he calls an “uncannily identical script” unfolding. Pointing to a new circle of influential businessmen, Kudakwashe Tagwirei, Paul Tungwarara, Scott Sakupwanya and Wicknell Chivayo whom he says have risen through proximity to power, the Alpha and Media Holdings Chairperson wrote:
“Now, in 2026, Zimbabweans are witnessing an uncannily identical script.”
According to Ncube,
“They are confident they have clinched the Constitutional Amendment that will pave the way for Tagwirei to take over.”
The concern, he argues, is not just about influence, but motive. He wrote:
“The G40’s ambitions for power had nothing to do with the People’s Agenda, and neither do those of this primitive accumulation gang. The power grab is an opportunity to protect and expand their business interests, not an inspirational vision for a new Zimbabwe.”
He also noted continuity in the political ecosystem, observing that “in both instances, George Charamba and Christopher Mutsvangwa linger on the sidelines.”
Perhaps most telling is Ncube’s uncertainty about the endgame. Before invoking scripture, he said:
“Your guess is as good as mine as to how this will end. He will repay them for their sins and destroy them for their wickedness; the Lord our God will destroy them.” (Psalm 94:23)
He concluded with a stark reminder:
“God is Sovereign over this nation. He will not be mocked by the wicked.”
Beyond the rhetoric, the deeper issue is institutional. Ncube’s intervention highlights a recurring pattern in Zimbabwe’s governance where political power, economic interests, and succession battles converge, often with unpredictable consequences.
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