On Thursday, July 4th, 2023, Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa toured the Mutare Teachers College Fruit Juice Manufacturing Plant, where he announced his intention to retire after completing his current and final term.

During his address at the college, President Mnangagwa informed the public that he will not seek a third term. He stated that a new party leadership would be elected at the next ZANU-PF Congress, marking the end of the current ZANU-PF administration’s term.

“Our president is supposed to be in office for two five-year terms. I did my first five-year term, and we went to a congress where you elected me again. Now I’m in my last five years, and it’s nearing the end. I will go and rest. We will go to congress to find someone else to lead the party as I have done. Do you hear that? My retirement days are near. I want to rest. We will go to congress to elect a person who will continue in my spirit of Munhumutapa,” said President Mnangagwa.

He advised ZANU-PF party members on the importance of appointing genuine cadres who are motivated to protect the legacy of the liberation struggle and the emancipation of the indigenous people of Zimbabwe.

He also spoke against the use of money in seeking leadership positions.

President Mnangagwa began serving as Head of State on November 19, 2017, after succeeding the late President Mugabe. He previously held various cabinet positions, including Minister of Defence, Minister of Rural Housing and Social Amenities, and Minister of National Security. He also served as a Member of Parliament of Zimbabwe from 1980 until 2014.

Under the rules adopted by the 2013 referendum, the president serves a maximum of two five-year terms. This limit did not retroactively affect past terms of office already served or currently being served as of 2013. As of 2021, the Constitution of Zimbabwe imposes a two-term limit for the presidency.