HARARE – The embattled Zimbabwean President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa is set to deliver the State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Wednesday, October 2, 2024, at 2:00 PM, as the country grapples with a faltering economy and growing internal divisions within the ruling Zanu-PF party. The address will also mark the official opening of the Second Session of the 10th Parliament.
The announcement was made by the Speaker of Parliament, Advocate Jacob Mudenda, through General Notice 1527 of 2024, in which he outlined the constitutional framework under which the President will deliver the address. “It is hereby notified, for public information, that His Excellency, The President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, Honourable Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa will, in terms of section 140(1) of the Constitution, address a joint sitting of the Senate and the National Assembly on Wednesday, the 2nd of October, 2024, at 1400 hours, during which he will set out the Government’s legislative agenda for the Second Session of the 10th Parliament; and in terms of section 140(4) of the Constitution, deliver the State of the Nation Address,” Advocate Mudenda stated.
This SONA will be President Mnangagwa’s second since his re-election in the August 2023 harmonized elections, in which Zanu-PF also secured a majority of seats in Parliament. However, the political landscape has become increasingly turbulent, with economic problems intensifying and factionalism within Zanu-PF threatening to destabilize the party’s long-standing dominance.
Mnangagwa’s address comes at a critical time for Zimbabwe, as the nation battles a range of pressing economic challenges. Inflation has surged once again, wiping out the purchasing power of ordinary citizens. The Zimbabwean dollar continues to weaken against major currencies, and a growing trade deficit has exacerbated concerns about the country’s economic sustainability. Many Zimbabweans are struggling with skyrocketing prices of basic goods, fuel shortages, and erratic power supplies, all of which have stoked public discontent.
Unemployment remains high, with formal sector jobs hard to come by. Despite government efforts to encourage foreign direct investment and promote local industries, economic growth has been slow, and the informal economy dominates much of the workforce. The agricultural sector, which once underpinned Zimbabwe’s economy, has not fully recovered from years of mismanagement, droughts, and inadequate policy support.
The President is expected to address these issues head-on, laying out a roadmap for economic recovery. Analysts anticipate that Mnangagwa may introduce reforms aimed at stabilizing the currency, boosting foreign reserves, and stimulating key sectors such as mining, agriculture, and manufacturing. However, critics argue that without addressing corruption and the lack of investor confidence, such reforms may not yield significant results.
While the economy will likely be the centrepiece of Mnangagwa’s address, the growing factionalism within Zanu-PF may also force the President to address internal party unity. Tensions have been rising in the aftermath of the 2023 elections, with some factions within the party expressing dissatisfaction with Mnangagwa’s leadership. Allegations of favouritism, corruption, and the marginalization of certain regions have fueled divisions, creating uncertainty within Zanu-PF’s ranks.
The party’s infighting has been further complicated by the influence of the security sector in Zimbabwean politics. Reports have surfaced that elements within the military and intelligence services are manoeuvring for greater political power, raising concerns about stability within the ruling party. Some observers believe that Mnangagwa may use the SONA as an opportunity to reassert his authority and address concerns of disunity within the party.
Political analysts also expect the President to tackle the ongoing opposition pressure. The opposition continues to advocate for political reforms and economic justice. Despite Zanu-PF’s control of Parliament, the opposition has remained vocal, especially in urban areas, calling for international support to ensure transparency in governance.
The President’s SONA will not only highlight the state of the nation but will also set the legislative agenda for the Second Session of the 10th Parliament. There is significant anticipation regarding which laws the government will prioritize, especially in light of Zimbabwe’s ongoing economic and social challenges.
Key legislative priorities are expected to include reforms to the electoral system, as calls for greater transparency and fairness in future elections continue. Laws surrounding land reform, mining regulations, and environmental protection may also take centre stage, particularly as the government seeks to attract investment in these sectors.
Social reforms, including laws to address gender inequality, labour rights, and access to education and healthcare, could also form part of the government’s legislative agenda. Mnangagwa has previously promised to expand social safety nets for the poor and vulnerable, but so far, concrete steps in that direction have been slow.
The upcoming State of the Nation Address comes at a pivotal moment for Mnangagwa’s administration. The challenges facing Zimbabwe are multifaceted, and how the President frames his strategy for the future will be critical for both the country and his political legacy. With growing opposition from both inside and outside Zanu-PF, Mnangagwa will need to deliver more than rhetoric in his SONA if he hopes to retain the confidence of both his party and the Zimbabwean public.
As the political and economic crises deepen, Zimbabweans are eagerly waiting to see if Mnangagwa’s vision for the Second Session of Parliament will include bold measures capable of reversing the country’s fortunes. Meanwhile, critics remain sceptical, pointing to longstanding issues of governance, corruption, and accountability that have stymied progress in the past.
For now, all eyes are on Wednesday’s State of the Nation Address, where Mnangagwa will outline the path he hopes to chart for Zimbabwe in the coming year. Whether it will be enough to calm growing discontent remains to be seen.