Chatunga Mugabe, the youngest son of the late former Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe, has stirred controversy on social media after posting a message on X (formerly Twitter) claiming that his father privately endorsed President Emmerson Mnangagwa as the only suitable successor before his death.

In the now-viral post, Chatunga wrote:

“Before my dad’s passing, he told Gen Chiwenga, Sekuru Sekeramayi, and Father Mukonori that in the event of his death or departure from office, the only person with the capacity to succeed him is the current President ED, considering his vast experience in security and governance.”

The claim contradicts long-standing public belief that Robert Mugabe died bitterly opposed to Mnangagwa following the 2017 military-assisted transition that removed him from power.

Public Backlash

The statement immediately ignited heated responses, with many users accusing Chatunga of rewriting history.

A user responded bluntly:

“You are lying… he mentioned Cde Chiwenga.”

Another commenter dismissed the claim, arguing:

“N he voted for the opposition.”

A separate user added that Robert Mugabe did not support Mnangagwa in the 2023 election:

“But your dad once voted Nelson Chamisa leaving ED in 2023.”

Critics also questioned the political motivations behind Chatunga’s post. One response read:

“Go and see Victor.”

Another commenter took a harsher tone, writing partly in Shona:

“Fuol usatinyepere… RGM vakataura vega kuti he prefers @nelsonchamisa and he will vote and pray for Chamisa to win. What nonsense are you spewing now?”

Others broadened the discussion, comparing past leadership styles, including one user who wrote:

“What’s the model of leadership demonstrated by the late predecessors from Ian Smith to Mugabe’s stewardship—divide & rule tactic?”

Chatunga’s claim, if taken at face value, would dramatically reshape the narrative around Mugabe’s final political stance.

However, the immediate backlash shows strong public skepticism, particularly from those who recall the former president’s open endorsement of the opposition during the 2018 elections.

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